DUBAI: The Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) has launched a research collaboration with Google’s charitable organisation, Google.org under the Google Digital Futures Project.
The collaboration comprises several pillars, the main one being primary fieldwork spearheaded by the school’s Policy Research Department aimed at investigating the opportunities and challenges facing SMEs specializing in AI domains in the MENA region. The regional survey of SMEs around the region launched on 11 June and the findings will be published later this year. Under the other pillar of the project, the school’s policy research team specializing in AI governance will assess different policies and trends to help integrate the MENA region into the global AI governance ecosystem.
The announcement was made during the AI Retreat, an event held on Tuesday at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of Dubai Executive C
ouncil and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Dubai Future Foundation
Organised by the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) in collaboration with the National Program for Artificial Intelligence, the event witnessed the participation of more than 1,000 key decision-makers and experts for government and the private sector convened to address how to accelerate the adoption of AI applications and uses in addition to exploring trends and future solutions. The event looked in-depth at the vast opportunities surrounding AI, aiming to pave the way for more inclusive societies and a better future.
MBRSG’s collaboration with Google.org builds on previous UAE-focused research in the same area, the outcomes of which were outlined in a report unveiled by MBRSG in partnership with the Ministry of Economy and with Google’s backing last year. Titled The Future of Small and Medium Enterprises in the United Arab Emirates, the report explored the challenges and opportunities confronting SMEs. Its overarching goa
l was to establish a roadmap and steer the trajectory of these enterprises, amplifying their role in the national economy.
Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said: ‘The ongoing collaboration with Google on locally and regionally focused policy research will unlock significant value owing to Google’s leadership in AI and digital transformation.
‘AI governance is essential for enhancing governments operations in addition to boosting their efforts to create a better tomorrow for future generations. We at the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government are committed to aligning with global directions related to AI, including employing research to address challenges and capture opportunities, through our role as knowledge creator.’
He added: ‘This partnership forms the basis for governments in the region to understand the ecosystem and business environment in which AI SMEs operate. This knowledge will support decision-makers to empower SMEs to harness qualitative leaps taking place in AI, to
day and tomorrow. It will also support governments operations as well as wider societal development and the scientific community.’
Martin Roeske, Director of Public Policy and Government Relations MENA at Google, said: ‘AI is driving qualitative shifts in many sectors, which has created a need to build systems and solutions that align with society’s ethics.’
‘The grants we provide through the Google Digital Futures Project reflect our commitment to promoting independent research and dialogue to support the continued ethical and responsible development of AI applications and uses. By extending our support to leading academic institutions such as the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, we aim to empower local experts who are spearheading advances in AI. The outcomes of this survey in the MENA region hold immense value as they will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of AI adoption across the region.’
Dr. Fadi Salem, Director of the Policy Research Department at the Mohammed bin Rashid Schoo
l of Government, commented: “Over the past two decades, MBRSG has led as a regional research institution focused on the future of digital governance and technology policy, including AI governance. We are focused on being a leading center for researching the future of government and on cooperating with government entities, international organizations, and senior business leaders to enhance governance in the digital age.
‘This cooperation will enhance the school’s research outputs, support decision makers and help integrate the Arab region, including startups, into the global AI ecosystem. We invite all startups and SMEs in the AI and digital transformation space in the region to participate in the survey and make their voice heard.’
Source: Emirates News Agency