On November 21, the conference "E-Government: Lithuania's Progress in Digitalization" was held in Vilnius. Organized by Verslo žinios in collaboration with the State Enterprise Centre of Registers, the State Data Agency, and technology companies Telia and Baltneta, the event brought together over 100 experts and decision-makers from various fields. Participants discussed the challenges, opportunities, and innovations of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization in Lithuania.
Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) Law School Professor Dr. Paulius Pakutinskas also participated in the conference. As a Telia Chief Legal Counsel, board member of the Lithuanian Artificial Intelligence Association, and AI expert at the Digital Progress Center, Prof. Dr. Pakutinskas shared his insights on the importance of regulating artificial intelligence and the benefits it could bring to Lithuania.
“Given the rapid development and application of AI solutions, it is essential to clearly define the rules – what is acceptable and what is not. The European Union is currently creating the world’s first strict AI regulatory framework. The AI Convention signed in Vilnius this autumn could become a historic milestone – its principles, once ratified, would serve as a legal foundation at the national level. This would ensure that AI solutions align with human rights, democracy, and the rule of law,” Dr. Pakutinskas emphasized.
The professor also highlighted the need for Lithuania not only to draw insights from existing approaches but to chart its own path within the framework of European Union law. This involves continuously evaluating the regulatory environment, ensuring it aligns with evolving realities, and adapting where necessary to support both innovation and ethical AI development.
The conference also explored how Lithuania could not only utilize AI technologies created by others but actively participate in their development. Dr. Pakutinskas moderated a panel discussion featuring Vice Minister of Economy and Innovation Erika Kuročkina, ScaleWolf Defense and Security Risk Capital Fund CEO Edvinas Kerza, Director of the Business Environment and Economics Department at the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists Tomas Garuolis, and Board Member of the Lithuanian Artificial Intelligence Association Ruslanas Abdrachimovas.
In addition to AI, the conference emphasized the importance of cybersecurity and public-private sector collaboration to drive digital progress.
This event served as a significant platform fostering dialogue between business and government representatives, shaping an ambitious digitalization and innovation policy for Lithuania.
Photo: Verslo žinios
