Artificial Intelligence is one of the most transformative forces of our time and is bound to alter the fabric of society. It presents a great opportunity to increase prosperity and growth, which Europe must strive to achieve.
The analysis points out at the problem of inherited weakness of innovation helix in Georgia where the disconnect between academia and industry is stronger than in the EU in average. Despite the appearance of first AI startups, existing Governmental supporting mechanisms and generally favorable business Environment, the technology startup culture still needs further development. In this culture shift, the internalization and cooperation with European partners shall play a central role as the country’s internal resources and best practice base are insufficient.
Besides, AI, being a very dynamic research field with enormous innovation potential, depends on young talents with open and entrepreneurial mindsets, skills and knowledge allowing transforming research results into technologies for economy and society.
Therefore, the overall project objective is to boost interoperability of careers for young AI researchers and other R&I talents in the academic and non-academic sectors of Georgia and improve employability of AI R&I talents across sectors. By attaining this objective, the project aims to contribute to the general innovation-oriented shift in the Georgian AI R&I with sustainable progress firmly supported by the country’s policies and financial commitments.
FORGE-AI Operational objectives are:
Obj. 1 To strengthen AI R&I human capital base in Georgia with more entrepreneurial and better-trained researchers, innovators, research managers and/or other R&I talents, as well as to boost R&I support capacity in academic and non-academic organizations.
Obj. 2 – To design, implement and evaluate cross-sector and cross-border secondment program for Georgian AI R&I talents with the aim to boost their career development.
Obj. 3 – To collect and analyze the best European practices of supporting innovation and cross-sector cooperation, including boosting cross-sector career interoperability for AI R&I talents, and, on this basis, to initiate the adjustments in the national practices and policies.
Obj. 4 – To raise awareness of the Georgian R&I capabilities in the field of AI in the EU; to extend the individual professional networks of Georgian AI R&I talents, thus supporting their career development; to promote the project and the Europe’s support in Georgia.
