Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald chaired the first meeting of the Artificial Intelligence Advisory Panel in Northern Ireland. The panel includes experts from industry, academia and government. It aims to address economic challenges and opportunities from AI.

The panel's initial work supports recommendations from the Matrix report on AI and the future of work in Northern Ireland. Minister Archibald stated that AI can address productivity challenges, create high-value jobs and drive innovation across sectors. She noted challenges in skills, ethical governance and infrastructure needs.

The panel's efforts align with the Department for the Economy's AI Strategic Direction. This framework guides policy, programmes and interventions to capture AI opportunities. It fits the minister's economic vision for productivity, regional balance, job creation and decarbonisation.

Minister Archibald highlighted Northern Ireland's strengths in software, cyber, data and analytics. She pointed to world-class universities and colleges, plus the Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Centre that aids businesses in adopting AI.

Before the meeting, the minister visited students in an Assured Skills Academy on AI and data with EY at Belfast Met. These academies offer pre-employment training for industry accreditations and skills linked to job vacancies in priority sectors.