Como pode a Inteligência Artificial beneficiar a nossa economia?

·52 min·5 clips

How can Portugal compete in AI when the technology is developed by giants on other continents?

The episode opens with a host framing the debate on AI's economic impact, questioning Portugal's role and public policy responses. Guest Óscar Afonso, director of FAPE and co-author of 'Economia, Inovação e Inteligência Artificial', distinguishes between innovation and AI, describing AI as a transversal technology that accelerates innovation. Bernardo Caldas, an AI and data science specialist, agrees, noting AI's micro-level impact and its potential to automate tasks beyond human description. They discuss early economic data from the US showing productivity gains with workforce reductions, hinting at AI's effects. Afonso explains wage polarization driven by AI, where high-skilled workers benefit, low-skilled workers see modest gains, and medium-skilled workers lose out, increasing inequality. The conversation turns to public policy, with Afonso suggesting re-qualification and equity measures, while Caldas expresses skepticism due to uncertainty about future skills. They debate higher education's role, with Afonso advocating for STEAM reinforcement and Caldas favoring more generalist, multidisciplinary education to foster flexibility. The hosts probe the state's inefficiency, with both guests agreeing on the need for digitalization and administrative reform, but Caldas highlights the state's lack of internal tech expertise and resources. Afonso mentions fiscal incentives and savings as tools to spur innovation. They address Portugal's global position, with Caldas arguing Portugal should focus on applying AI in niches like health or tourism rather than developing foundational models. The episode concludes with ethical considerations, emphasizing the preservation of human autonomy and responsible AI use. The format is an interview with two guests, structured around economic and policy themes, with recurring discussions on labor markets, education, and state capacity.

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