Today, 8 November, Minister of Smart Administration and Regional Development Inga Bērziņa participates in the Nordic-Baltic Digital Ministers' Meeting in Stockholm, Sweden. The meeting will focus on the importance of cooperation between countries in the digital development of the region, in particular in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).
Minister Inga Bērziņa: "Close regional cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence is an essential prerequisite for the development of our countries. By creating a common ecosystem, we will be able to strengthen the links between policy, science and industry, facilitating the efficient exchange of resources, knowledge and data. This approach will create the basis for innovation, strengthening the region's competitiveness and sustainable development."
The meeting continued the discussion on the establishment of a Nordic AI Centre, which was launched at the Nordic-Baltic High Level Forum on Artificial Intelligence on 30 August. The Nordic AI Centre is expected to provide a trusted platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and cooperation between national companies, as well as to promote regulatory harmonisation and the application of common principles across the region. The National AI Centre (NAC), led by the Ministry of Smart Administration and Regional Development and line ministries, would also have a place in this ecosystem, with a core mission to support the development of innovative products and services in areas such as public administration automation and efficiency, health, education, and safety and security.
The meeting also discussed the region's priorities and areas for cooperation in the coming years. In addition to AI issues, Minister Bērziņa stressed the need to continue to provide material and political support to Ukraine, as well as to step up efforts for mutual recognition, security and trust of digital identities in Europe. The Minister drew attention to the region's strengths, such as flexibility, the ability to adapt quickly and to adopt innovative solutions that meet local needs.