Hungary’s National AI Strategy

Hungary´s National AI Strategy announced by the minister of Innovation and technology, László Palkovics sets goals up to 2030 and outlines a related action plan extending up to 2025.

 By 2030, AI could add 15% to the gross national product. The government is planning to enhance the skills of citizens in new technologies through courses and education. As there is a high interest in Hungary in the Finnish education system in general and in modern teaching methods used in Finland, it can open up opportunities for Finnish companies in this field

According to the strategy, AI-based technologies are already utilized in several areas such as telecommunications, retail, health care or state administration. However, often only a few organisations apply these methods within a sector. One of the objectives of the strategy is the introduction of the technologies already in use and to examine the capabilities available in Hungary that will support the future ecosystem; data assets, regulation, infrastructure and governance.

The strategy outlines a number of high-level targets for 2030;

  1. 15% GDP increase induced by AI  and AI adoption exceeding the regional average.
  2. 26% average productivity growth in the Hungarian corporate sector compared to 2020 (the increase of gross added value per person employed)
  3. 1 million citizens perform a new or higher value-added AI supported work due to a change in position or workplace.

By 2030, Hungary also aims to be the main European centre for the development and testing of self-driving vehicles. The first 5G-based test track for self-driving cars was opened in the Hungarian city of Zalaegerszeg in 2019. The track, known as ZalaZone, offers a unique testing opportunity for car manufacturers in Europe that are relying on 5G network infrastructure, with a two-kilometre handling course that includes a multi-surface braking platform and multiple test track modules for everything from highway roads to bad rural roads and a water basin.

ZalaZone test track in Zalaegerszeg

  

Smart technologies are planned carry out 70% of the scheduling of renewable energy production. The use of data based systems could also decrease the emission of ammonia in agriculture by 32%.

According to the strategy, 2.5 million citizens will benefit from AI-supported education, and 2 million citizens should take an active part in the management and use of their own data with the help of a data wallet.

New technologies have the potential to increase the efficiency and customer satisfaction in public administration as well. Approximately 60% of administration is aimed to be carried out electronically, in the form of self-service. Furthermore, the strategy wants 3 million citizens to benefit from AI-based modern services through the digital healthcare system.

In Hungary, Finland has good reputation as a pioneer in ICT and digitalization. Potential market opportunities for Finnish companies could include e-mobility solutions, start-ups (especially digitalisation) and smart city projects.

Hungary´s Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2020-2030 (PDF)(Linkki toiselle web-sivustolle.) (avautuu uuteen ikkunaan)

Adviser Daniel Lukács