Events

AI Possibilities for Lithuania Discussed at the Annual Meeting of Clubs of Lithuanian Professionals Abroad

16 10 2019

On 13–15 September 2019, an annual meeting of the clubs of Lithuanian professionals abroad was held in Brussels. Over 70 participants from Lithuanian Professional Diaspora Clubs from 14 countries attended the event. One of the main parts of the meeting was the discussion ‘The Future of Education and Artificial Intellect’, which was attended by Dr Donatas Murauskas, chair of the Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. Paulius Kunčinas, chair of the board of ‘Blockchain Centre Vilnius’ moderated the discussion that was attended by Prof. Daiva Jakavonytė-Staškuvienė of Vytautas Magnus University, Vilius Žukauskas, head of business development at CUJO AI, and Andrius Perkauskas, deputy head of the EC ‘DG Connect’ audiovisual and communication services policy department, among others.

The discussion focused on the possibilities of Lithuania to become a European leader in the field of artificial intelligence.  In addition to that, the participants spoke about the need for improving the training of AI experts. Vilius Žukauskas emphasised that the market is experiencing a shortage of specialist capable of applying the methods of AI in their work. The participants highlighted the necessity of creating a system of education in Lithuania based on contemporary needs. They analysed employment-related challenges that can be brought about by successful automation and algorithmization of various processes.   

At their meeting, the professionals paid considerable attention to such challenges faced by the Lithuanian professional diaspora as dual citizenship, connections with Lithuania, and the like. This year’s referendum on allowing Lithuanians to hold dual citizenship and the establishment of the electoral district for world Lithuanians at the 2020 election to the Seimas were also touched upon.

The event was organised by the MAM Investments Club in Brussels and Luxembourg, founded by the Lithuanians of Belgium and Luxembourg, the Embassy of Lithuania in Belgium, the Permanent Representation of Lithuania to the European Union, the ‘Global Lithuanian Leaders | GLL’ network, and the Brussels branch of the Lithuanian Lawyers’ Association. 

It was the first time that the Young Academy of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences took part at such a meeting of the Lithuanian professional diaspora. Bearing in mind how many young Lithuanian scientists carry out their research abroad, it is desirable that the Young Academy should contribute to uniting young researchers working abroad and in Lithuania. 

Dr Donatas Murauskas

Photo Tomas Razmus