We speak with Ron Gauci, CEO of the Australian Information Industry Association to discuss their call for sufficient funding into Australia's national Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy.

The AIIA is calling on the Federal Government to allocate $250 million in the May budget to ensure Australia becomes a global leader in AI research and commercialisation and doesn’t fall behind its international peers.

When the Government does announce its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy it must come with significant funding over the $29.9 million it currently contributes over four years. The Australian Government commissioned the Artificial Intelligence: Solving problems, growing the economy and improving our quality of life, in November 2019 to assist its AI Roadmap which outlines the many opportunities and benefits available from investing in a National AI Strategy.

The AIIA is urging the Federal Government to support AI efforts, and focus on supporting R&D through to commercialisation of innovative products and services. This will help to maximise the return for Australian businesses and boost the AI sector and ensure our traditional industries remain internationally competitive including in agriculture, finance, health and manufacturing.

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For the full video interview, recorded 20 April, 2020 - available here https://youtu.be/BtlvpRcBbL8

Full release available here - https://smartcitiestech.io/2021/04/aiia-urges-morrison-government-to-fully-fund-a-national-ai-strategy/