TECHNOLOGY FOR THE CITIZEN - THE NEW NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 2032 - Filenews 2/8
The new national strategy for artificial intelligence with a horizon of 2032 can improve public services, empower workers, make businesses more competitive and, according to Dimitris Skouridis, can place Cyprus at the forefront of reliable and responsible Artificial Intelligence.
The President of the National Working Group on Artificial Intelligence notes that this is not a technology of the future but “it is already transforming the way we work, produce, train, innovate and interact with the state. At the same time, it is evolving into one of the most important factors of economic growth, social transformation and international competitiveness.”
The real question for Cyprus is not whether it will participate in this new era. It is whether it will actively contribute to its shaping or whether it will be limited to adopting technologies, standards and decisions that will be designed elsewhere.
This is precisely what the new National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2032 – “Technology for the Citizen”, which is currently under public consultation, aspires to answer.
This is a comprehensive strategic framework that was shaped through the collective work of the National Working Group on Artificial Intelligence, with the participation of the business community and representatives of the wider innovation ecosystem. The strategy was developed under the guidance and coordination of the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus, Dimitris Skouridis, Chairman of the National Working Group on Artificial Intelligence, in close institutional cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.
The philosophy of the strategy is clear: Artificial Intelligence is not an end in itself. It is a tool for improving the everyday life of citizens, strengthening the capabilities of workers, increasing the competitiveness of businesses and creating a more resilient and productive economy.
Dimitris Skouridis points out that “We do not seek to exploit Artificial Intelligence for the technology itself. We are creating the conditions for it to improve the daily lives of citizens, strengthen human capabilities and support the long-term competitiveness of our country.”
What does this mean for the citizen?
At the heart of the strategy is the citizen.
The goal is to create a public sector that will operate faster, more efficiently and with greater transparency, utilizing Artificial Intelligence as a tool to support public officials and not as a substitute for human judgment.
No citizen should have to wait weeks for an answer when technology can, in a safe and responsible way, contribute to the completion of procedures in a much shorter time.
Artificial Intelligence can contribute to reducing delays in processing applications, searching for information, managing administrative affairs and providing better service to citizens. At the same time, it can free public servants from time-consuming and repetitive tasks, so that they can devote more time to cases that require judgment, empathy and personal service.
The strategy seeks a public sector where technology works for the benefit of people, improving the quality of services without weakening the human factor.
Health, education and the skills of tomorrow
The strategy recognizes that the societal impact of Artificial Intelligence extends far beyond public administration.
In the health sector, the strategy proposes initiatives such as the Virtual AI Patient Orchestrator and the Digital Healthcare Twin, which can support health professionals, strengthen prevention and contribute to the provision of more personalized care to patients.
In education, the Cyprus AI Literacy Framework aims to develop knowledge and skills around Artificial Intelligence, in a way that is appropriate for all ages, while cultivating critical thinking, responsible use and digital responsibility.
In addition, the FutureAI CY initiative promotes the continuous upgrading of skills for adults, professionals and workers, so that the transition to the AI economy is inclusive.
For the new generation, digital literacy alone is no longer enough.
Just as a generation ago, knowledge of digital technologies was a basic skill, today AI literacy is evolving into a necessary condition for participation in society and the labour market.
The strategy is not limited to learning tools. It seeks to shape citizens who will be able to use it.
