The Czech Republic has taken a significant step forward in positioning itself as a technological leader with the government's approval of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2030 (NAIS). This comprehensive framework, developed by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, aims to harness AI's potential for both economic growth and societal benefit.
"According to our vision, the Czech Republic should be not only a user but also a creator of advanced artificial intelligence technologies," states Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela, highlighting the country's ambition to move beyond mere AI adoption to become a genuine innovator in the field.
Seven Pillars of Progress
The strategy focuses on seven key areas that will shape Czechia's AI landscape:
1.Research & Innovation: The country plans to strengthen research infrastructure and support top scientists through enhanced funding and international collaboration.
2. Education: A transformation of the educational system is planned, incorporating AI tools and updated curricula to prepare the next generation of professionals.
3. Labor Market Adaptation: The strategy addresses the changing job market by developing digital skills and preventing digital exclusion through retraining programs.
4. Ethical Framework: Recognizing the importance of public trust, the strategy emphasizes creating robust ethical guidelines and supervisory mechanisms.
5. Security: Special attention is given to cybersecurity and data protection, with plans to participate actively in creating international security standards.
6. Business Development: Support for AI startups and small-to-medium enterprises will be enhanced through incubators and regulatory sandboxes.
7. Public Administration: The strategy aims to improve government services through AI implementation while maintaining ethical standards.
Investment and Implementation
The government is backing this vision with substantial resources, allocating approximately 19 billion Czech crowns for project investments. An Action Plan will guide the implementation, including specific initiatives like subsidy programs, business manuals, and retraining courses.
This strategy aligns with broader EU initiatives, as the Czech Republic prepares to implement the EU AI Act while maintaining its unique national priorities. The collaborative approach taken in developing this strategy—involving public and private sectors, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations—suggests a well-rounded perspective that considers all stakeholders' needs.
As Senior Director for Digitization and Innovation Petr Očko notes, "The updated AI strategy reflects the latest technological trends and the needs of Czech society." With this comprehensive approach, the Czech Republic is positioning itself to become a significant player in the global AI landscape while ensuring that technological advancement benefits all sectors of society.
The success of this ambitious strategy will largely depend on its execution, but with clear goals, substantial funding, and broad stakeholder support, Czech Republic appears well-positioned to establish itself as a technological leader in the coming years.
