Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Alexey Gruzdev highlighted the remarkable speed of AI’s growth in the global market Saudi official presented the Kingdom’s ambitious ‘Future Factories’ program to digitally transform 4,000 factories RIYADH: The transformative impact of artificial intelligence on global industries was a key focus at the UN Industrial Development Organization’s event in Riyadh. During this year’s Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum, discussions centered on how AI is reshaping various sectors and the global economy, with panelists sharing insights and strategies from their countries on navigating this rapidly changing landscape. Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Alexey Gruzdev highlighted the remarkable speed of AI’s growth in the global market, noting that it ranks among the fastest across different sectors. He elaborated on Russia’s strategic vision, presenting a comprehensive plan for AI development that extends to 2030. “We made up the strategy for development of artificial intelligence in Russia until 2030,” Gruzdev stated, emphasizing the focus on scientific research, software development, data hardware improvement, and enhancing public awareness of AI technologies. The plan also seeks to increase the availability of qualified personnel to meet the demands of the burgeoning Russian AI market. In addition to the national strategy, Gruzdev mentioned the introduction of an AI code of ethics, which establishes general behavioral principles and standards to promote ethical AI use in the country. Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Planning and Development Abdullah Al-Ahmari presented the Kingdom’s ambitious “Future Factories” program, aimed at digitally transforming 4,000 factories. He discussed how Saudi Arabia is leveraging AI to revolutionize industrial processes and strengthen its position as a leader in innovation. Al-Ahmari explained that the initiative focuses on digitizing industrial processes through the integration of digital tools, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of industrial innovation. Concerns about AI’s impact on employment were also addressed. Siemens General Counsel Abdullah Al-Ajlan raised alarms about potential job displacement resulting from increased automation in industries. “One of the main concerns I’ve noticed in discussions around AI and digital transformation is employment and job displacement," Al-Ajlan noted. He underscored the necessity of recognizing that certain sectors will continue to require human skills, even as automation and AI technologies evolve. Al-Ajlan stressed that the success of AI integration relies not only on technological advancements but also on the establishment of legal frameworks: “It is important to touch upon the importance of clear laws and regulations policies that maintain the values of digitalization.” As the panel concluded, it became clear that while AI presents vast opportunities, it also necessitates careful consideration of ethical standards, workforce impacts, and regulatory frameworks to ensure a balanced and progressive approach to its adoption.