Hi there,

With the race to harness AI’s expected benefits gathering pace, governments around the world are getting in on the act with national AI strategies.

Both Australia and New Zealand are jumping on the bandwagon, with reports on both sides of the Tasman suggesting the time is right for country-wide AI strategies. There may be some good reasons for a national strategy, including ensuring everyone benefits from the technology, rather than just a small elite group.

But not everyone agrees and there are plenty of reasons why government-led nationwide strategies could raise as many issues as they solve, including putting a damper on innovation.

In other news this week:

Putting commerce in Alexa’s hands – and our voices
Research innovation winners in KiwiNet Awards
Chief data officer 4.0
eHealth beyond teleconferencing

We also take a look at how a Kiwi startup called Checkmate is closing the inspection loop when it comes to health and safety, making workplaces not only safer but health and safety faster.

Enjoy the read,

Heather Wright
Editor
editor@istart.co.nz

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Do we need a national AI strategy?

Academics say we need a government-level plan to cope with the ramifications of AI. But are we at risk of stifling innovation?…

Is it time for a country-wide AI strategy? New reports from both sides of the Tasman say yes, and that the time to act is now.

“Further development of AI must be directed to allow well-considered implementation that supports our society in becoming what we would like it to be.”

[Read more]

VOICE COMMERCE

Sounding out voice commerce

Hey Alexa, can I really trust you with my shopping?…

Keyboards, mice, cicks and taps are just so passe… At least that’s the thinking behind voice commerce, which takes ordering and purchasing things online to a new level.

“Most of the time the intelligent agent made us go find the answer.”

[Read more]

RESEARCH INNOVATION

KiwiNet Awards highlight NZ's top research innovation

Awards shine light on Kiwi commercialisation of innovation…

Top Kiwi research innovation was showcased at this week's KiwiNet Awards.

“The success stories we are celebrating are bringing vital science-based solutions that will drive future prosperity for NZ.”

[Read more]

DATA

The CDO goes lean and project focused

From accessing data to living and breathing data…

CDOs can avoid failure by dumping project-centric models, moving to a product-centric mindset and adopting rapid innovation and iteration.

“Not all CDOs will be able to make the transition from a project or programs mindset to a product mentality.”

[Read more]

eHEALTH

Is medicine finally getting smart?

eHealth holds great potential – and there’s more to it than glorified teleconferencing…

With eHealth rollouts on both sides of the Tasman and the tech offering potential especially for aging or remote populations, is medicine finally getting smart?

“If you have a technology like telemedicine, then, in my opinion, there is really no excuse not to use it.”

[Read more]

HEALTH & SAFETY

Health & safety start-up closes inspection loop

Checkmate is a safety compliance app on a mission – actual safety…

It may not seem like it on the shop floor, but health and safety at work is about a lot more than just clipboards and paperwork.

Without a doubt [it] has improved the compliance and quality of the audits across the business. It saves us time and money and the team loves it.”

[Read more]

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