Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, is set to participate in a key meeting in Paris hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The agenda centers on enhancing competitiveness, fostering innovation, and bolstering economic resilience. McEntee will seize this opportunity to highlight Ireland’s strategic initiatives designed to fortify economic strength through focused investments in research, innovation, skills development, and improvements in digital infrastructure.
During the event, McEntee will unveil details of Enterprise 2035, Ireland’s comprehensive industrial strategy aimed at stimulating business growth, elevating productivity, and generating employment opportunities over the forthcoming decade. A significant theme of the conference will be the transformative influence of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in propelling economic development. McEntee intends to discuss Ireland’s proactive measures to expedite AI adoption, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises, by leveraging initiatives like the Digital Ireland strategy, European Digital Innovation Hubs, and the National Start-Up Accelerator Programme.
Additionally, McEntee will shed light on plans to establish a National AI Office and an AI Regulatory Sandbox. These initiatives are designed to foster the responsible creation and implementation of AI technologies, ensuring that innovation aligns with ethical and regulatory standards. Such efforts underscore Ireland’s commitment to becoming a leader in digital transformation while maintaining a balance with regulatory oversight.
On the sidelines of the OECD meeting, McEntee is scheduled to engage in bilateral discussions with international peers, including Todd McClay, Don Farrell, and Catherine Vautrin. These dialogues will focus on strengthening trade relations, enhancing economic cooperation, and addressing broader international issues. The meeting presents a valuable occasion for Ireland to showcase its economic strategy and build stronger ties with global partners in the realms of innovation, technology, and sustainable growth.