“We are working with IAPMEI (Institute for the Support of Small and Medium Enterprises and Investment), a program widely disseminating artificial intelligence (AI) among small and medium enterprises (SMEs),” the minister stated to journalists at the Web Summit in Lisbon.
“CIP (Confederação Empresarial de Portugal) will assist us in this effort to reach as many companies as possible, particularly small and medium enterprises, to accelerate this process,” he added.
The official also expressed certainty that “in about a year or so, all companies will use artificial intelligence (AI),” noting that the government’s task is to “anticipate this timeline.”
Regarding the rise of AI, Castro Almeida expressed no concern about potential job losses.
“I am not worried about that aspect, I’m not afraid of it. Portugal has full employment despite the increasing presence of technology and artificial intelligence,” he said.
