Urso: “We have put industry and technologies that allow growth on the path to development back at the center of the agenda”
The first ministerial day G7 on Industry, Technology and Digital chaired by the Minister of Business and Made in Italy, Adolfo Ursuswas held today in Veronaa city that represents one of the main logistical and intermodal hubs in Europe.
In an era of great technological and geopolitical changes, the G7 Industry focused on the most challenging issues for businesses, called to face and win the dual green and digital transition.
“We can say we are fully satisfied with this first day of work which represents the debut of the year of Italian presidency of the G7 – stated Minister Urso during the press conference -. After seven years we have reinstated this ministerial dedicated to industry, involving ‘Business 7′, the representation of companies from the 7 countries, in the work, putting industry and the technologies that allow us to grow on the road back at the center of the agenda of our economies of development”.
The topics put on the table were: application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies to the industrial fabric; security and resilience of supply chains and networks; sustainable and inclusive digital development at a global level, with a focus on Africa, in line with the Mattei Plan.
The participants:
Present at the meeting were the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, Francois-Philippe Champagne; the Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action of Germany, Robert Habeck; Japan’s Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Taku Ishii; Japanese Vice Minister of the Interior and Communications, Junji Hasegawa. Additionally, the UK Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Michelle, also took part in the meeting. Donelan; the Secretary of State for Digital of France, Marina Ferrari; the US Department of Commerce’s Senior Counselor for AI and Employment Development, Zoe Baird; the Vice President of the European Commission Margrethe Vestager. Representatives of South Korea, Ukraine and the United Arab Emirates participated in the ministerial meetings as outreach countries.
Why a G7 on Industry:
In recent years there has been a profound acceleration in the integration of new technologies in the production world. The ongoing transformation has led to the need, in the G7 context, to open a discussion on competitiveness and development. It is no coincidence that it was Italy, with its strong manufacturing tradition, that restored this ministerial.
There were three work sessions:
The first, in the presence of Outreach Countries (South Korea, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates), focused on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies in Industry’. The discussion focused on the potential positive impact of AI on many sectors, with reference to increased productivity, efficiency, innovation and scientific discovery, and related risks. A specific focus was placed on the drivers and challenges of AI adoption by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. The role of quantum technologies was addressed, with particular attention to their potential in acquiring, transmitting and processing information, as well as facilitating discoveries in the fields of chemistry, materials and physics. Finally, the cooperation initiatives between the G7 countries in these areas and the tools envisaged were described. During the second session the topic of ‘Secure and resilient networks, supply chains and key production drivers’. A broad discussion on the actions necessary to ensure global value chains, with particular attention to the key role of semiconductors as fundamental elements for the digital economy, for economic security and resilience. Discussion continued on secure and resilient terrestrial networks, submarine cable networks and non-terrestrial networks to promote global connectivity. In the third and final session of the G7 Industry ‘Digital Development – Prospering Together’ the focus has shifted to concrete actions that G7 countries can take to foster global digital advancement, promote inclusive and sustainable development and help accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, the discussion focused on how to close the digital and gender divides by 2030, promote sustainable economic growth, address the challenges associated with digital transformation and ensure that the benefits of technologies are shared equitably. AI will play a central role in helping address development challenges, such as the climate crisis, education and health.