Which specific opportunities can artificial intelligence unlock for Czech industry to remain competitive?
Jan Kavalírek, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade and the government’s representative for artificial intelligence, answers Priority magazine’s question.
“In conjunction with the Minister, we regard artificial intelligence as a significant opportunity to improve the competitiveness and productivity of Czech industry. Being one of the most industrialised nations in Europe, it is essential for us to fully utilise the potential of AI for both its implementation in production and the simplification of daily administrative tasks.
It is wonderful to witness the progress of AI across multiple sectors. The Czech Republic is firmly established in areas such as cybersecurity, FinTech, MedTech, transportation and, more generally, in IT and industrial production. Nonetheless, there is still considerable opportunity for more Czech businesses to integrate AI into their operations. This is why the Ministry of Industry and Trade is actively promoting the implementation of AI technologies, offering support through funding for digital innovation centres (EDIH) and testing facilities, as well as through financial programmes such as TWIST and Deep Tech from the Operational Programme Technology and Applications for Competitiveness (OP TAK). Additionally, our agencies CzechInvest and CzechTrade are available to help businesses.
We place a strong emphasis on skill development. Our government, in collaboration with partners, has established the AI National Skilling Plan to provide training for individuals in handling data and using AI tools, ensuring that these technologies yield results from production to administrative tasks. We have already rolled out successful AI pilot programmes in public services to lead by example. Additionally, we are developing a set of benefits for small and medium-sized enterprises as part of the new AI law we are currently drafting at the Ministry of Industry and Trade.”
