Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, is set to participate in an OECD meeting in Paris that will concentrate on bolstering competitiveness, innovation, and economic resilience. In this forum, McEntee will highlight Ireland’s strategy for enhancing economic competitiveness, which involves strategic investments in research, innovation, skills development, access to finance, and digital infrastructure.
As part of her presentation, McEntee will unveil details about Enterprise 2035, a comprehensive industrial strategy designed to drive business growth, increase productivity, and generate employment in Ireland over the next ten years. This initiative reflects Ireland’s commitment to fostering a robust economic environment through forward-thinking policies and strategic planning.
A significant theme at the OECD meeting will be the integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence as catalysts for innovation and economic expansion. McEntee plans to elaborate on Ireland’s initiatives to boost AI adoption, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises. These efforts include the Digital Ireland strategy, collaborations with European Digital Innovation Hubs, and the National Start-Up Accelerator Programme, all aimed at enhancing Ireland’s digital landscape.
The Minister will also emphasize Ireland’s intent to establish a National AI Office and an AI Regulatory Sandbox. These initiatives are designed to promote the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring that Ireland stays at the forefront of technological advancement while maintaining ethical standards.
In addition to her participation in the main conference, McEntee will engage in bilateral discussions with international counterparts such as Todd McClay, Don Farrell, and Catherine Vautrin. These talks will focus on trade, economic cooperation, and broader international issues, presenting an invaluable opportunity for Ireland to strengthen ties and collaborate on shared interests. The meeting serves as a platform for Ireland to advocate its economic strategies and enhance cooperation with global partners in innovation, technology, and sustainable growth.