Lithuania aims to become the most favourable country for the development of artificial intelligence technologies

With the European Union's (EU) new Artificial Intelligence (AI) law coming into force, the Ministry of the Economy and Innovation is preparing to submit to the Seimas draft amendments to the law that will lay the foundations for creating a favourable environment for the development of AI technologies in our country. The Ministry is also already implementing measures aimed at achieving significant progress in this area.  

"The country's ICT sector is one of the most dynamic in the region, and we have developed a strong AI community, so we are well positioned to be a leader in the development of this technology. Lithuania can become a centre for AI innovation, just as it is for fintech or cybersecurity. Our goal is to create the most favourable environment for innovative companies to create and develop AI solutions," said Aušrinė Armonaitė, Minister of the Economy and Innovation.  

As part of the Digital Strategy, the EU was the first in the world to introduce legislation to regulate AI, ensuring a safe and transparent environment for the development and use of this technology. As part of the implementation of the law, the Ministry will submit for consideration amendments that will provide for the activation of two national authorities: the Innovation Agency will be entrusted with the functions of a notifying authority and will establish a pilot regulatory environment for AI within the Agency, and the Regulatory Communications Authority (RCA) will be entrusted with the functions of an AI market surveillance authority and a single point of contact. 

Lithuania's growing AI ecosystem

In 2019, we prepared an AI strategy - Lithuania was the second EU country to do so. This strategy sets the goal of becoming a regional leader in AI and participating in the global AI ecosystem, thereby increasing Lithuania's competitiveness.

To this end, an Action Plan for the Development of Lithuanian AI Technologies 2023-2026 has been prepared. It sets out how to stimulate a breakthrough in the development and deployment of AI technologies and solutions in Lithuania. The main objectives are to create conditions for high-tech AI innovation and strengthen the AI technology ecosystem, as well as to promote the adoption and use of AI in all sectors, including the public sector.

The proposals of the Strategy and Action Plan for the Development of AI Technologies 2023-2026 have been integrated into the measures developed by the Ministry for the growth of the AI ecosystem and the funding of the development of AI technologies - a process that will be carried out in the future. 

"We have been working for several years to create the right conditions for the establishment of companies developing this technology in Lithuania. We are also working to ensure that as many companies as possible implement AI solutions in their operations, and we are looking for solutions to use this technology in the public sector. AI can lead to progress in many areas," says Erika Kuročkina, Vice-Minister of the Economy and Innovation. 

The Ministry of the Economy and Innovation has developed the financial measures needed to grow the AI ecosystem. Last year, it launched a €15 million call for start-ups to develop solutions based on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and robotic process automation. 

There is also €110 million for the digitalisation of public services, including solutions using AI technologies. In addition, a €35 million measure is planned to create digital resources for the Lithuanian language, which are needed to develop and adapt AI solutions for the Lithuanian language, with calls for projects launched this year.

The Department has planned actions to develop AI innovation and technology in the public sector. This will be the responsibility of the GovTech Lab at the Innovation Agency, which will work with researchers and innovative companies to find solutions to harness the potential of AI, test the application of these technologies to public sector institutions and integrate them into public services.

Implementation of the AI Law in Lithuania

Following the adoption of the amendments by the Seimas, the Innovation Agency will assess the compliance of conformity assessment bodies (companies, research and educational institutions, etc.) wishing to become Notified Bodies with the requirements of the EU AI Law. Notified Bodies will carry out conformity assessment and certification of high-risk AI systems. This will ensure that AI systems placed on the market, or products incorporating them, are reliable and safe.  

It is also planned to set up an AI regulatory pilot environment at the Innovation Agency. This environment will stimulate innovation and facilitate the development and testing of AI systems before they are placed on the market. Companies will be able to call on the Agency's experts to provide technical and legal advice to ensure that the solutions they develop comply with the requirements of the AI Act. It is also envisaged that companies will have the opportunity to test the AI systems they develop and deploy in a pilot environment and will have access to the necessary technical infrastructure.  

It is envisaged that the RCA will act as an AI market regulator. This means that the RCA will provide market oversight of AI systems and ensure that AI systems placed on the market, or the products in which they are embedded, are reliable and safe.  

The RCA would also act as a single point of contact. It would facilitate cooperation with other market surveillance authorities and engage with the public, businesses and international partners on the development, safety and reliability of AI. 

Last updated: 29-07-2024

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