Government setting up AI think tank to shape future policies

MANILA, Philippines — The government is establishing a think tank focused on artificial intelligence to guide policies that will enable the country to leverage the technology, the National Economic and Development Authority said. 

In a statement yesterday, the NEDA said the National Innovation Council (NIC) approved during its March 26 meeting the creation of a technical group composed of industry, academe and government experts and leaders that will conduct a comprehensive study on the capabilities, current ecosystem and future of AI. 

The AI think tank is expected to provide insights as the government crafts AI policies.

AI is expected to provide economic benefits and enhance the country’s competitiveness. 

 According to a study conducted by Google & Access Partnership in 2023, AI adoption, along with the development of essential digital skills, could generate P2.8 trillion in annual economic value by 2030. 

Earlier, the Department of Trade and Industry said the goal is to position the Philippines as an AI powerhouse in the region. 

“If we want to harness the potential of AI, we urgently need a national approach and policy that will ensure alignment and collaboration between public and private sector efforts,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, who also serves as the NIC vice chairperson, said. 

Given AI developments, he said the country needs to ensure that the Filipino workforce is ready to upskill and transition efficiently.

“To achieve this, we need to understand precisely what we are dealing with and how AI developments can be contextualized within the Philippine setting,” he said. 

The Department of Science and Technology, which will serve as the lead agency for the AI think tank, will form a technical working group tasked with conducting studies on the country’s preparedness for AI. 

During the same meeting, the NIC also approved the new implementing guidelines for the 2025 innovation grants. 

To be released in the second quarter, the guidelines will provide the types of innovation programs, activities and projects that are eligible for grants, as well as the requirements. 

Since 2022, the NIC has been providing grants to support the agriculture, health, energy, education, defense, transportation and public administration sectors. 

Balisacan said the release of the guidelines for this year’s innovation grants would help enhance the country’s innovation ecosystem. 

“As President Marcos emphasizes, nothing less than a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach can ensure that we are utilizing all possibilities and resources in planning for and pursuing a more prosperous and resilient future that will benefit all Filipinos,” he said.