NEDA: AI Think Tank Approved to Shape PH Innovation, Economic Policy

The National Innovation Council (NIC) has approved the creation of a national think tank dedicated to exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can be leveraged to boost the Philippines’ economic future, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced Friday.

Formally greenlit during the NIC’s eighth council meeting on March 26, the AI-focused think tank will be composed of industry leaders, academic experts, and government officials. It will conduct an in-depth study on the Philippines’ current AI landscape, its development potential, and the nation’s overall readiness for AI adoption.

The insights gathered will guide the government in crafting national AI policies aimed at economic growth, innovation, and workforce upskilling.

NEDA cited a joint 2023 study by Google and Access Partnership, estimating that AI adoption and digital skills development could unlock up to ₱2.8 trillion in annual economic value by 2030.

“If we want to harness AI’s full potential, we must pursue a unified, national approach,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, also vice-chairperson of the NIC. “Understanding how AI fits within our local context is key to future-proofing our workforce and economy.”

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has been tasked to lead the initiative, forming a technical working group that will assess the country’s preparedness for AI’s rapid global impact.