New Zealand’s new Institute for Advanced Technology has moved further into its establishment phase with Steve O’Connor appointed as permanent chair. The institute is being positioned to turn advanced research into commercial opportunities, with artificial intelligence specifically included in its early work.
The development matters because it gives AI a formal place within one of the Government’s new research and commercialisation structures. The institute is expected to assess where New Zealand can build practical capability and economic value from emerging technologies.
Key facts
- Steve O’Connor has been appointed permanent chair of the New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology.
- He previously served as the institute’s establishment chair.
- The institute has been created as New Zealand’s fourth Public Research Organisation.
- Its initial programme includes formally assessing opportunities in artificial intelligence.
- It is also working in advanced materials, magnetic technologies and exploring opportunities in quantum technology.
- Marko Bogoievski has also been appointed to the institute’s board.
Our take
The important point is not simply that AI has appeared on another government technology agenda. The test will be whether the institute can identify areas where New Zealand has a realistic advantage and help turn research into products, services or businesses.
That could include areas where local expertise, energy, primary industries, science or specialised datasets make New Zealand particularly well suited to developing AI applications rather than simply importing them.
Sources
KiwiGen.AI 