AI focus of Tech Week in Budapest

Hungary is hosting Tech Week—Forum for Competitiveness and Technology, focusing on artificial intelligence, as part of its presidency of the Council of the European Union.

In the framework of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the Ministry of National Economy of Hungary is preparing a major event called TechWeek focusing on the most advanced and emerging technologies that are crucial in shaping our virtual and non-virtual existence.

The event will take place between 30 September and 1 October 2024 in Budapest, in magnificent venues and with high-level guests. EU and non-EU countries are expected to be represented at ministerial and state secretarial levels, while most of the world’s emerging technology companies will be present at CEO and senior management levels.

Richárd Szabados, the state secretary for SMEs and technology at the National Economy Ministry, said on Tuesday that the forum addresses the advantages and challenges AI presents for businesses and the economy and explores its potential to boost competitiveness. He added that it also highlights the legal environment and the implementation of the EU’s recently approved AI Act.

He said AI has become a “fixture of everyday life” and has already demonstrated how it can improve competitiveness and efficiency.

Deputy State Secretary Szabolcs Szolnoki said Hungary believes the AI Act provides a strong legal framework for the safe and responsible use of AI.

He pointed to AI’s use in a number of local success stories, including its application in warehouse technology for haulier Waberer’s, soft drink production for Hell Energy and the operation of the ZalaZONE vehicle proving ground.

Péter Fekete, the CEO of ICT group 4iG, said a strong cooperation between the government, private sector and scientific players was necessary to promote the broader use of AI.

Lucilla Sioli, the director of the EU AI Office, said the goal of the EU’s AI Act was to establish a harmonised internal market for AI, while promoting its broader use.