ERIA and OECD Discuss GenAI and Entrepreneurial Skills Ahead of EECOLE Roundtable

Jakarta/Paris, 18 November 2024: ERIA, in collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions, and Cities, concluded the three-part webinar series on generative artificial intelligence (AI) with the final session on 18 November 2024. This mini-series delved into the transformative impact of generative AI on innovation, skills, and communities.

The final webinar highlighted how generative AI is ushering in significant changes and the need for a collective effort to navigate this transformation. It is essential to mobilise networks, institutions, and social capital to ensure that the use and advancement of generative AI not only fuels economic growth but also respects ethical and security considerations.

The webinar featured Emmalyn Green and Alison Gottsch-Walton of JA Worldwide, who discussed the strong connection between generative AI and entrepreneurial skills. Both argued that rather than replacing the need for social interaction, AI enhances education by creating new possibilities for experimentation and pedagogical innovation, particularly in fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. To bring these opportunities to life, JA Europe has launched initiatives such as EMPASS and CodeE4Europe, aimed at certifying entrepreneurial competencies and empower European youth to thrive in an AI-driven world.

Previously, in the second webinar, the conversation focused on the transformative role of AI on places. Professor Andrés Rodríguez-Pose of the London School of Economics emphasised the importance of policies that ensure AI benefits all regions - not just leading innovation hubs - thereby driving inclusive growth. The inaugural webinar featured Mr Hiroshi Ishikawa, Special Advisor to the President of ERIA on Digital Innovation, who provided insights into balancing AI innovation with public interest. Drawing from ERIA's latest research, Mr Ishikawa highlighted how generative AI can strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems in Southeast Asia.

A recurring theme across all three webinars was the need for a place-responsive approach. Unlocking the potential of a new digital paradigm necessitates support for individuals and firms at a granular level. Within this context, entrepreneurial ecosystems - comprising innovation facilitators - play a pivotal role in driving the adoption of generative AI across economies and societies.

The OECD-ERIA webinar series was co-hosted by Dr Raffaele Trapasso from the OECD and Dr Giulia Ajmone Marsan from ERIA and served as a prelude to the Entrepreneurship Education, Collaboration, and Engagement (EECOLE) Network Roundtable, scheduled for next week in Jakarta.