The Group of Seven (G7) nations—Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States—announced on March 15, 2024, a comprehensive plan to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) across public services and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs). The move, formalized via the G7 Industry, Technology and Digital Ministerial Declaration during a summit in Verona and Trento, Italy, aims to encourage “safe, secure and trustworthy” AI deployment within public institutions and the private sector.
A centerpiece of the initiative is a joint G7 report on driving factors—and barriers—to AI use in businesses, especially SMEs. Scheduled for release by year-end, the report intends to assess diverse national AI adoption strategies, share best practices, and recommend ways policymakers and SMEs can collaborate to embrace AI responsibly.
Complementing the private sector effort, the G7 will develop a public sector AI toolkit to guide the translation of ethical AI principles into actionable government policies. Produced in cooperation with the OECD and UNESCO, this guidance aims to assist public administrations in establishing clear strategic goals, enabling user participation, overcoming organizational silos, strengthening data governance, and implementing incremental AI deployments safely.
The declaration also affirms support for international collaboration on quantum technologies, sustainable semiconductor manufacturing, secure digital networks, and the enforcement of the Hiroshima AI Process code of conduct. Partnerships with developing countries will focus on reducing digital divides, reinforcing labor rights along AI supply chains, and ensuring inclusive economic growth.
UK officials highlighted the initiative’s importance. UK Science Minister Michelle Donelan stated that AI “is already an extraordinary force for good” and emphasised that G7 cooperation would assist in unlocking new opportunities and boosting productivity.
By combining policy, guidance and international cooperation, the G7 aims to lay a robust framework that enables responsible AI adoption—improving public services and empowering SMEs while addressing ethical, competitive and inclusion-related challenges.
