Business 'strongly supports' the government's guidance
The New Zealand government has unveiled a national strategy on artificial intelligence in a bid to encourage the private sector ti embrace the technology.
Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Shane Reti said the strategy sets out a commitment to create a regulatory environment that gives businesses confidence to invest in AI.
"My message to our business community is: invest with confidence in AI," Reti said in his foreword.
"The Government wants greater use of AI in business and stands ready to support your AI journey through guidance, and policies that enable rather than constrain innovation."
According to the minister, the government is taking a "light-touch approach" when it comes to AI policy while still remaining aligned with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's AI Principles.
It also "deliberately focuses" on practical adoption of AI rather than high-end development so businesses can invest with confidence.
"New Zealand's strength lies in being smart adopters," Reti said in a statement. "From AI-powered precision farming techniques to diagnostic technology in healthcare, Kiwi businesses can tailor AI to solve our unique challenges and deliver world-leading solutions."
The government unveiled the strategy amid findings that embracing AI could add $76 billion to New Zealand's GDP by 2038.
"But we're falling behind other small, advanced economies on AI-readiness and many businesses are still not planning for the technology," Reti said.
"We must develop stronger Kiwi AI capabilities to drive economic growth, and this Strategy sends a strong signal that New Zealand supports the uptake of AI."
Business New Zealand said it "strongly supports" the government's guidance material as it also pointed out that smaller businesses are less likely to make use of AI.
"AI and the benefits that come with it are for all businesses. There are ways in which small businesses could benefit from even a basic understanding of the technology to boost productivity," said Catherine Beard, Director of Advocacy at BusinessNZ, in a statement.
"By reducing regulatory barriers, leading the way and promoting the responsible use of AI, the Government can support businesses as they 'go for growth''with modern tools at their disposal."
