AI’s $54b potential in New Zealand

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to increase New Zealand’s GDP by up to $54 billion by 2035.

That’s according to a major study – Artificial Intelligence: Shaping a Future New Zealand.

Released by the Artificial Intelligence Forum of New Zealand (AIFNZ), the report is the culmination of nearly a year’s work with research partners IDC and Sapere.

It studies the local and international AI landscapes and the potential impacts on New Zealand’s economy and society.

The report identifies key opportunities in which New Zealand can invest and says this country seriously needs a national AI strategy to keep up with global technology changes.

AI is used, for instance, in driverless vehicles and new vehicle technology across most transport forms.

New Zealand has a young and growing AI ecosystem, the report shows. However, major AI investment by other countries around the world raises challenges for New Zealand to keep up with global AI advancement.

AI and automation frees people up to focus on more complex, higher value tasks in their jobs. It may also help address potential labour shortages and the challenge of an ageing workforce.

The report also explores the challenges that AI presents for our society; for jobs, the law and new ethical considerations. There are long term implications for core legal principles like legal responsibility, agency and causation. AI raises many new ethical concerns relating to bias, fairness, transparency and accountability.

Recommendations include establishing the strategy, assisting with AI adoption, adapting to AI effects on law, ethics and society, increasing data accessibility and creating an AI talent pool.

Visit aiforum.org.nz

for more information.