Group of eight universities call for Australia to become a global AI leader
A collective of top universities representing a fifth of Australia's R&D want the Productivity Commission to go harder on its AI recommendations.
The country's most influential research institutions are urging the Productivity Commission to go further in its recommendations to the government to make Australia a leading player in AI, but have pushed back on a new net cashflow tax for major companies.
The Group of Eight (Go8), which represents eight prestigous universities collectively responsible for 20% of Australia’s R&D, have supported the PC's draft recommendations on reviewing AI regulation and establishing lower-cost and flexible regulatory pathways to expand data access for individuals and businesses.
However, it is asking for a “new provision to improve data access for researchers” and or a strengthening of the recommendations around new technology and the nation's role in artificial intelligence.
“Additional investment in AI, including R&D, will be especially important for Australia as it positions itself in the development and adoption of AI globally,” the group’s CEO Vicki Thomson said in a submission to the PC’s interim report looking at five pillars of productivity.
