AI – Artificial Intelligence brings with it “concerns related to the privacy of personal data” and “it is necessary to ensure that regulations and laws keep pace with technological innovation, protecting the rights of citizens”, said the Vice-President of the Regional Government as he chaired the opening session of the AI AzoresSummit, at the São Miguel Science and Technology Park (Nonagon).
“The AI AzoresSummit reaffirmed the Regional Government’s commitment to promoting innovation and digital transformation, ensuring that the advantages of AI are fully exploited, benefiting both the public administration and the private sector,” said Artur Lima.
Seeking a new approach to interaction with the citizens, AI has been used internationally as a tool to improve the efficiency of public services, optimize administrative processes, and promote transparency, according to Artur Lima, who mentioned advances that have been made in the Region in terms of the digital transition.
“In the Azores, we have been working hard to ensure that our region is an integral part of the digital transformation that is taking place in Europe. Through European Union funds and with the collaboration of strategic partners, we are investing in infrastructures that facilitate the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including AI,” he said.


INNOVATION
The governor highlighted cybersecurity and digital protection as essential to technological innovation. The Regional Government of the Azores has defined these areas as priorities and has been working with leading companies in the world market.
The event was attended by experts in AI, who presented various success stories, seeking to appeal to increased efficiency and productivity through new technologies.
In its presentation, Google exemplified the capabilities of Generative AI, a branch of AI focused on creating new content based on identified patterns, of which chatbots such as ChatGPT are an example.
Dronamics presented a project to transport air cargo using drones, using AI, with proposals to connect the cohesion islands to each other and the archipelago to the Portuguese mainland.
In the private sector, AI is expected to contribute to increasing the operational efficiency of companies by automating processes and providing adequate support for decision-making based on real-time data analysis.
Several important national and international companies attended the meeting, such as Deloitte, Google, Palo Alto Networks, MEO, NOS, Dronamics, the Champalimaud Foundation and Outsystems.
The AI Azores Summit is an initiative of the Government of the Azores that aims to showcase the various uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various sectors of society, such as health, cybersecurity, and education.

in diário insular-José Lourenço, director

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.