The establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Center in Latvia has been met with political skepticism, as concerns over its lack of tangible results have grown nearly a year after its launch.
The Artificial Intelligence Center in Latvia was established in April of last year with high hopes of positioning the country among the global technology elite. However, as the center reached its first anniversary, optimism has turned into political skepticism. During a review in the first half of February by the Saeima’s State Administration and Local Government Commission, critical remarks were made regarding the center’s progress. Oļegs Burovs, the head of the commission, suggested that if specific results are not achieved in the upcoming months, consideration should be given to the center’s closure.
The criticism highlighted concerns that the center had not yet begun its practical work and that its director remains effectively the only staff member in a significantly understaffed organization. Although Guna, the center's director, acknowledged this situation, she mentioned ongoing efforts to form a team. Guna emphasized the support from council members who guide directions, tasks, and provide competencies, while also noting the involvement of the State Digital Development Agency as the center's secretariat.
The future of the Artificial Intelligence Center appears uncertain as it grapples with achieving its goals set months prior. The political scrutiny reflects broader issues of accountability and effectiveness in public institutions, particularly in areas as crucial as technology development. If the center cannot demonstrate progress, it may face serious repercussions regarding its future and funding, which could have significant implications for Latvia's ambitions in the technology sector.
