The Australian Government has launched the Artificial Intelligence Adopt Program, a new initiative aimed at supporting the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the work practices of businesses across Australia. Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, announced the program, which will allocate $17 million to establish up to five AI Adopt Centres across the country.
The government invites applications from Australian businesses, industry partners, and research institutions with experience in delivering training and upskilling programs to businesses.
Each centre will focus on a specific key priority area identified by the National Reconstruction Fund, forming a network of industry-specific centers designed to:
- Showcase the innovative capabilities of AI
- Provide guidance on responsible and efficient AI adoption
- Offer specialist training to develop skills for effective AI management
These training programs will be offered free of charge to eligible businesses.
The newly established AI Adopt Centres will complement the National Artificial Intelligence Centre and participate in the Responsible AI Network. This initiative builds on the Australian Government’s ongoing efforts to promote the safe and responsible use of AI throughout the Australian economy.
Applications for the Artificial Intelligence Adopt Program are open until January 29, 2024. More information is available on the official website.
Minister Husic highlighted the potential of AI to enhance productivity and support Australian businesses in gaining a competitive edge in global markets. He stated, “This network of centres will provide businesses with clear and direct advice on integrating AI into their work systems.”
India’s Approach to AI Adoption for Businesses
While Australia is actively supporting AI adoption through its new program, other countries are also taking steps to encourage businesses to embrace this powerful technology. India, for example, has established several initiatives aimed at fostering a thriving AI ecosystem and promoting its use across various industries.
Here’s a brief overview of India’s initiatives:
1. National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NSAI): Launched in 2018, the NSAI outlines a roadmap for the development and adoption of AI in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education. It aims to position India as a global leader in AI research and development by 2035.
2. NITI Aayog’s AI for All Initiative: This initiative aims to make AI accessible and affordable for everyone. It includes programs such as the AI for Social Good program, which focuses on using AI to address social challenges, and the AI for MSMEs program, which provides support to small and medium-sized businesses in adopting AI solutions.
3. Setting Up Centers of Excellence (CoE): The Government of India has established several CoEs in key areas like healthcare, smart mobility, and natural language processing. These centers provide research and development support, training programs, and access to cutting-edge AI technologies.
4. Public-Private Partnerships: Several public-private partnerships have been established to promote AI research and development. These partnerships involve collaboration between the government, academic institutions, and private companies to accelerate AI adoption in various sectors.
5. Investment in AI Infrastructure: The government has announced plans to invest heavily in AI infrastructure, including the creation of data centers and high-performance computing facilities. This infrastructure will be crucial for supporting the development and deployment of AI solutions.
6. Regulatory Framework: The government is actively working on developing a regulatory framework for AI to ensure its safe and ethical use. This framework will address issues such as data privacy, bias, and accountability.
India’s Position in the Global AI Landscape: A Leader in the Making?
What is the position of India in AI?
India has emerged as a significant player in the global AI landscape, making strides across various areas. Here are some key indicators highlighting India’s position in AI:
1. Leading in GitHub AI Projects: India holds the top spot globally in the number of GitHub AI projects. This reflects a vibrant AI developer community actively contributing to open-source AI development, fostering innovation and collaboration.
2. High AI Skill Penetration: Boasting the third-highest AI skill penetration rate worldwide, India demonstrates a rapidly growing talent pool adept in AI technologies. The country is rich in knowledge stock, IT resources, and innovation facilitation, with many Indians talented in AI entering the market every year. This skilled workforce positions India as a hub for AI development and adoption across industries.
3. Significant Private Investment: Ranking third in terms of global private investment in AI, India receives substantial funding from investors recognizing the country’s potential in the AI domain. This investment fuels research, development, and the growth of AI startups, further propelling India’s AI advancement.
The Indian tech startup scene exploded in 2021, with over 2,250 startups and 42 unicorns added in a year. Most venture capital funding is now going to AI projects in the e-commerce, banking, and healthcare sectors.
4. Strong Focus on AI Research: India holds the fifth position globally in the number of AI research journal publications and citations. The country has a thriving AI R&D driven by top-tier universities such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and IIMs.
According to the CSET report on Mapping India’s AI Potential, AI-related patent applications grew tenfold from 2012 to 2018. India was ranked 8th in the top 10 countries by AI patent families, ahead of Russia and France. [Source : AnalyticsIndiaMag]
This underscores the country’s dedication to scientific research and its commitment to contributing to the advancement of AI knowledge and technology.
These indicators collectively paint a picture of India’s robust position in the global AI landscape. With its growing talent pool, active open-source contributions, strong research focus, and significant private investment, India is poised to become a leading force in the development and deployment of AI solutions across diverse sectors, shaping the future of the AI-powered world.
