An analysis from Goodbody Stockbrokers UC suggests that generative AI is reshaping the technology sector, raising questions about the long-term outlook for software as a service models. The report highlights shifting investor sentiment towards software companies.
According to Goodbody Stockbrokers UC, increased AI investment by major technology firms is driving demand for infrastructure and data processing, while also changing how software is developed and used. This shift is influencing spending patterns across the sector.
The report notes that software services have recently underperformed, particularly in the UK and Europe, due to weaker demand, pricing pressure and longer sales cycles. These trends reflect broader uncertainty as AI adoption accelerates.
Goodbody Stockbrokers UC indicates that AI is creating both disruption and opportunity, with the sector adapting to new technology layers and investment priorities as the industry evolves globally.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The Ghanaian Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has launched a public-sector AI capacity development programme in collaboration with the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme. The initiative aims to strengthen digital skills across government institutions.
According to the Ministry, the programme is designed to equip public officials with knowledge of AI and its applications in governance. It focuses on improving decision-making and service delivery, drawing on experience from the UN and Japan.
Why does it matter?
The initiative includes training, practical sessions and policy discussions to support responsible adoption of AI technologies. It also aims to help institutions identify relevant use cases and implementation strategies.
The Ministry presents the interdisciplinary programme as part of broader efforts to advance digital transformation and strengthen institutional capacity in Ghana.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
A series of initiatives aimed at supporting AI adoption across Latin America has been announced by Google, in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank.
These measures focus on public sector capacity, digital infrastructure and policy development as governments seek to integrate AI into economic and administrative systems.
The initiatives include the release of a policy-oriented report outlining how AI could contribute to regional economic growth, alongside guidance on workforce development, infrastructure expansion and regulatory frameworks.
An approach that emphasises responsible adoption, with attention to balancing innovation with risk management.
A further component involves the creation of an AI training academy for public officials, designed to improve institutional capacity to manage and deploy AI technologies.
In parallel, funding support has been allocated to expand digital public infrastructure (DPI), including cross-border digital identity systems intended to improve service delivery and administrative efficiency.
The programme by Google reflects broader trends in international cooperation on digital transformation, where public and private actors collaborate to scale AI adoption while addressing structural gaps in skills, infrastructure and governance across emerging economies.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Kazakhstan has introduced new rules requiring audits of high-risk AI systems before they are included in official government lists. The framework sets out procedures for identifying and publishing trusted AI systems across sectors.
Sectoral authorities will compile and update lists of high-risk AI systems based on applications submitted by system owners. These lists will be published on official government websites to promote transparency and trust.
Applicants must submit formal requests, documents confirming intellectual property rights and a positive audit conclusion. Authorities will review submissions within ten working days, assessing system purpose, functionality and required documentation.
Systems that meet all criteria will be added to the list and published within five working days. If inconsistencies are identified, applicants will be notified and may resubmit documents for review within a shortened timeframe.
Updated versions of the lists will be released as revisions occur, ensuring ongoing oversight of AI systems. The measures aim to support structured monitoring and responsible use of AI technologies.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
Indonesia is seeking to narrow gaps in AI development through targeted strategies in knowledge, investment and infrastructure. The approach was outlined by Deputy Minister Stella Christie during a policy discussion.
Christie said AI capabilities remain concentrated in developed countries, particularly in research output and patent production. She noted that understanding these gaps is essential to shaping effective national strategies.
She emphasised the need to build specialised capabilities aligned with national strengths, citing sectors such as seaweed research. Investment decisions should focus on areas that match domestic needs and priorities.
On infrastructure, Christie highlighted the importance of data management and local capacity as key components of AI systems. She added that data availability could support development if managed securely and effectively.
Infrastructure expansion, including data centres, must consider a stable and sustainable energy supply. She said coordinated efforts across education, investment and infrastructure are required to strengthen competitiveness.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The Ministry of Energy of Romania and the Ministry of Finance of Romania have launched an expression of interest process to select a consortium leader for the Black Sea AI Gigafactory project. The announcement marks a new step in developing large-scale AI infrastructure.
According to the Ministry of Energy of Romania, the selected leader will be responsible for structuring, developing and implementing the project. The process aims to identify partners with strong financial capacity and relevant technical expertise.
The project is described as a strategic initiative to build an advanced AI computing infrastructure, supporting digital and industrial capabilities while strengthening integration within the European AI ecosystem.
This project will lead to the development of digital infrastructure, such as data centres, cloud facilities, semiconductor manufacturing campuses with high-availability/power utility systems, large-scale telecom facilities, or other comparable power-and cooling-intensive facilities integrating critical digital systems.
Authorities state that the initiative is intended to position the Black Sea region as a key location for next generation AI infrastructure and to expand technological capacity in Romania.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The National Constitution Center reports that Minnesota lawmakers are considering a constitutional amendment to exclude AI systems from free speech protections. The proposal would clarify that such rights apply to people, not machines.
According to the National Constitution Center, the amendment would add language stating that AI does not have the right to speak, write or publish sentiments freely. Human free speech protections would remain unchanged under the proposal.
The article highlights ongoing debate around the measure, with supporters arguing it distinguishes human rights from technological tools, while critics warn it could affect how AI-generated content is treated under the law.
The National Constitution Center notes that the proposal reflects broader tensions over how legal systems should address AI and free expression as the issue develops in Minnesota.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt has highlighted the role of AI in supporting national development, according to an official statement. The focus forms part of broader efforts to advance digital transformation.
The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt emphasised that AI technologies are being integrated into key sectors to improve efficiency and support economic growth. The approach reflects a wider strategy to modernise public services.
The statement also underlined the importance of building technical capacity and strengthening infrastructure to support AI adoption. This includes developing skills and enhancing institutional readiness.
The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt presented these efforts as part of long-term planning to expand digital capabilities and innovation in Egypt.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
The European Commission has issued a supplementary charge sheet to Meta (called Supplementary Statement of Objections), outlining concerns over potential restrictions on third-party AI assistants’ access to WhatsApp.
A move that forms part of an ongoing investigation into a possible abuse of dominant market position under the EU competition rules.
The Commission’s preliminary assessment suggests that recent policy changes, including the introduction of access fees, may have effects equivalent to an earlier exclusion of competing AI services.
Something that raises concerns about barriers to entry and reduced competition in the emerging market for AI assistants.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in the UK has outlined priorities for regulating AI in healthcare, focusing on safety, effectiveness and public trust.
An approach that includes strengthening pre-market evaluation and post-market surveillance, particularly for adaptive systems operating in real-world settings.
These extend beyond technical validation to include implementation challenges, system-wide impacts and the role of human oversight in clinical environments.
The analysis emphasises that AI in healthcare operates as a socio-technical system, requiring assessment of usability, fairness and real-world outcomes. It also identifies gaps in current evaluation practices, particularly in local service assessments, which may lack consistency and reliability.
Strengthening evaluation standards, improving coordination and addressing risks such as bias and inequity are presented as central to enabling safe and scalable adoption.
Such a framework in the UK aims to balance innovation with accountability while ensuring equitable access to healthcare technologies.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
