The global artificial intelligence (AI) race is accelerating, with investments in AI research, development and deployment at the forefront of discussions from Washington to Brussels to Beijing. While the United States has the financial muscle and China has scale, Europe, spearheaded by Ireland, can set a global standard for governance and regulation.
This is a pivotal moment, and Ireland finds itself in a unique position to be a leader in this effort globally. There is real potential to become a beacon for responsible AI governance, balancing the drive for innovation with the safety and trustworthiness necessary in this transformative era.
The Government has acknowledged the need for a more ambitious and forward-looking approach, with the recently refreshed national AI strategy. But in a space where rules are still being written, more impactful decisions are needed.
A big step forward would be the appointment of a dedicated AI minister, similar to France’s recent move. Such a role would signal Ireland’s commitment to making AI a central pillar of our technology strategy. This minister could oversee AI regulation, support start-ups and drive digitisation initiatives while acting as a key intermediary with the EU on matters of AI governance.
Ireland’s potential leadership in regulation is enhanced by its unique geopolitical position. The rapid development of new AI technologies, such as ChatGPT, is occurring alongside the roll-out of legal frameworks including the EU AI Act. As an EU member state, Ireland aligns with Europe’s regulatory framework, with the Act set to become the most comprehensive AI legislation globally. Once fully implemented, it will establish strict standards for AI development, transparency and safety.
[ Ten predictions experts made about the world in 2025. All of them are wrongOpens in new window ]
It’s Ireland’s close ties with the US, and the presence of many big American tech companies here, that will allow us to bridge two distinct regulatory philosophies. While Europe tends to prioritise caution and oversight, the US favours a lighter regulatory touch to foster innovation – a trend that may intensify with a new Trump administration. Ireland has an opportunity to play a crucial role in harmonising these differing perspectives, leveraging its position to attract investment and talent.
To seize this opportunity, we need to think bigger and act fast. The development of an AI Campus – a public-private partnership that fosters collaboration, training, consulting and innovation, would create a dedicated, sandboxes environment for AI development, benefiting both sectors and driving AI research forward. Making this a hub of open-source AI development would accelerate investment and progress.
This would also feed into one of our other major strengths; the talented pool of AI researchers and technologists based in Ireland focused on ethical AI and explainability. We have the expertise to be at the forefront of the development of AI regulation, not just at a policy level but also in innovation and deployment. As AI increasingly influences sectors like healthcare, finance and justice, public trust will hinge on the ability to make AI comprehensible and accountable.
Restrictions on new data centre developments also highlight the urgent need to modernise our infrastructure and balance economic growth with sustainability. Strained power grids and rising costs threaten to disrupt Ireland’s digital economy and its status as a tech hub. AI’s skyrocketing energy demands account for about 21 per cent of national electricity use.
[ Eamon Ryan hails Ireland’s role as ‘world leader’ on data centresOpens in new window ]
A part of Ireland’s leadership in AI regulation should entail aligning data centre growth with climate goals and energy security. With competition from countries like France and the Nordics, which offer low-carbon energy solutions, Ireland must act decisively. Ensuring innovation doesn’t outpace environmental responsibility.
There is a chance for Ireland to create a model that balances speed with responsibility, proving that innovation and oversight can go hand in hand. A more relaxed US regulatory environment could fragment global AI standards, but Ireland can act as a stabilising force – offering a platform where ethical AI development thrives, while still fostering the dynamism needed to stay competitive.
Navigating these divergent approaches to regulation will be crucial and Ireland has the potential to become a trusted mediator, finding a balanced path that satisfies both regulatory regimes. Aligning with EU standards while maintaining an open dialogue with US stakeholders could prove that rigorous oversight doesn’t have to hinder innovation.
This balance is not only ethically sound, it’s also an economic necessity. AI represents a critical new frontier of global competition and the coming years will be crucial in shaping its future, globally and at home.
Our tech infrastructure and talent make Ireland a potential AI superpower. Now is the time to build a national framework that realises our full potential, a framework that combines Europe’s regulatory wisdom with America’s appetite for innovation. The challenge is not just to keep pace, but to set the standard for how AI can be both secure and groundbreaking.
If Ireland can rise to this challenge, it will not only secure its technological future but also ensure that AI’s evolution is guided by ethical and responsible innovation, setting a global standard for the world to follow.
John Clancy is CEO and founder of Galvia AI
- Sign up for Business push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Find The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Our Inside Business podcast is published weekly – Find the latest episode here
