Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for the Economy, to detail any steps her Department is taking to ensure that small businesses can access practical support to adopt Artificial Intelligence, safely and productively.
Minister for the Economy: My Department provides a range of practical support and guidance to small businesses on the safe and effective adoption of AI through existing programmes and delivery partners.
The flagship Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre (AICC), a £16.3 million programme funded by my Department and Invest NI, plays a central role in that regard, providing practical support and technical expertise to help businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), integrate AI into their operations, alongside training and skills development. It also provides guidance on the ethical and responsible use of AI through its Responsible AI Hub.
Invest NI offers a range of funding, guidance, and support services to businesses in the North looking to innovate. This includes helping companies of all sizes across industries develop digitalisation strategies and adopt AI tools to boost productivity and competitiveness.
My department is also supporting businesses and workers to adapt, through postgraduate AI scholarships and programmes such as Assured Skills Academies and Higher-Level Apprenticeships.
I have established an AI Advisory Panel to ensure that the risks and opportunities associated with AI and related digital technologies are monitored and considered fully going forward, and that the right support continues to be made available.
ENDS
Your MLA 