Pavlos Neophytou
Artificial Intelligence (AI), the technological advancement that now impacts every aspect of human daily life, is a major theme at this year's Digital Agenda conference. The conference has become a leading platform for discussing digital trends, new technologies, and their effects on social, economic, and geopolitical developments. A year ago, AI was considered one of the numerous technologies shaping our lives, but today it's seen as a disruptive phenomenon with unprecedented potential. Former Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Kyriakos Kokkinos, stated that the emergence of AI represents a significant technological upheaval, akin to a new technological revolution that's altering the world in numerous ways.
Mr. Kokkinos emphasized the significance of AI technologies, particularly for Cyprus. He stressed that the introduction of AI skills into education and the labor market is essential for the country's competitiveness and global alignment. He recommended updating the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and establishing a national body with international experts to guide implementation. He also discussed the Digital Agenda Alpha stage (DAAS-AI) competition, which aims to promote innovation in areas like tourism, media, education, and well-being.
Addressing the concerns related to AI, Mr. Kokkinos highlighted the need for responsible usage. He recognized the dual nature of AI, capable of both humanitarian and harmful applications. He underlined the importance of regulating AI use and expressed concerns over the lack of an effective regulatory framework. He referenced an article that discussed AI's impact on global power dynamics, noting how AI has elevated tech companies to positions of influence comparable to nation-states.
In conclusion, the dialogue with Mr. Kokkinos shed light on the transformative potential of AI, the necessity of responsible deployment, and the challenges it poses to existing power structures.
[This article was translated from its Greek original]
