FactoryxChange lead digital transformation strategy
The Mullingar based manufacturing support body, FactoryxChange, will deliver “real and practical supports” to help SMEs understand, test and adopt advanced digital technologies, the Dáil has heard.
FactoryxChange is one of four European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) in Ireland as part of the European Commission’s Digital Europe Programme. Earlier this month it was announced it received €5.7m to help businesses in the sector to undergo digital transformation.
It’s led by the Enterprise Ireland funded Irish Manufacturing Research in Mullingar, focusing on accelerating factories to become ‘Factories of the Future’ embracing the ecological, digital and societal challenges.
In a Dáil debate on AI, Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond, TD, issued a statement on behalf of Niamh Smyth, TD, Minister of State at the Dept of Enterprise, with special responsibility for Trade Promotion, AI and Digital Transformation.
The minister said the concerns about the technology were recently highlighted because of “the serious concerns that all of us have in relation to the abuse of Al capabilities”. He said that was specifically regarding Grok’s ability to “nudify” individuals without their consent: “To be absolutely clear, the sharing of non-consensual intimate images is illegal and the generation of child sexual abuse material is illegal.”
The statement said Coimisiún na Meán is “at the heart of Ireland’s online safety framework, including the regulation of social media”.
“It’s essential to embrace the transformative potential of AI across the economy and wider society,” the minister said. “The announcement of the €4.7 billion sectoral capital plan marks a decisive moment in our ambition to lead in innovation and advanced technologies. This is the largest ever investment in our enterprise and innovation ecosystem.”
The minister said the department is working with LEOs, European digital innovation hubs and enterprise agencies to ensure that every SME is aware of the benefits of Al use and state supports including funding, expert guidance and consultancy, and research and development grants.
He said: “The department is building on this momentum and recently announced a further €23 million in additional funding for Ireland’s four European digital innovation hubs to support SMEs in their uptake of Al and other cutting edge digital technologies. The hubs in Cork, Dublin, Mullingar and Sligo are delivering practical support that helps SMEs understand, test and adopt advanced digital technologies with confidence.”