Harness AI - Smyth

Ireland's ambition to become a global leader in applied and trustworthy AI highlighted at Tallinn Digital Summit

Minister Niamh Smyth highlighted Ireland's ambition to become a global leader in applied and trustworthy artificial intelligence during the Tallinn Digital Summit 2026. "Ireland's approach is centred on building public trust, investing in skills, supporting innovation and ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are shared across society," the Minister for Trade Promotion, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation said.

She represented the Government of Ireland at one of Europe's leading forums on digital innovation, artificial intelligence and public sector transformation. The summit, held in Tallinn, Estonia, brings together international political leaders, policymakers, technology experts and industry stakeholders to examine how democratic societies can harness artificial intelligence to strengthen competitiveness, security and public services.Speaking after the event, Minister Smyth said: "Ireland's future prosperity depends on our ability to embrace innovation, support entrepreneurship and harness the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and digital technologies."

Through initiatives including the recently launched Intelligence: Applied programme and the wider Digital Ireland strategy, the Government was proving its ambition to lead in applied and trustworthy AI through international cooperation, innovation and digital transformation.

"Ireland is committed to creating the conditions that allow innovation to flourish while ensuring that technology provided is safe, deployed responsibly, securely and in the public interest," said Deputy Smyth.

The €150M Irish government programme, launched last month, is aimed at accelerating AI adoption across the national economy and public sector, positioning Ireland as a leader in responsible, applied AI.

"AI is not simply a technology agenda. It is fundamentally about better outcomes for people, businesses and communities."Discussions in Tallinn with senior representatives from the European Investment Fund, UniCredit and Burda Principal Investments examined how Europe can mobilise public and private capital to support innovation, strengthen competitiveness and build economic resilience amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges.

"Europe has no shortage of talent, ideas or ambition. The challenge is ensuring that innovative businesses can access the investment they need to grow and scale here in Europe," she concluded.