Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger Addresses United Nations on Ending Digital Divide in UN General Assembly, High-level Thematic Debate "Digital Cooperation and Connectivity," on 27 April 2021
“Technology will play a critical role in building a digital future that is equitable, accessible, and inclusive for all.”
- Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO
Intel’s corporate purpose is to create world-changing technology that improves the life of every person on the planet. Intel put the silicon in Silicon Valley, and today we are applying our reach, scale, and resources to deliver on bold goals. Technology is becoming increasingly central to every aspect of human existence, and semiconductors are its foundation. The digitization of everything was markedly accelerated by COVID-19 and has spurred innovation and new models of learning, work, business, and care. Disruptive Emerging Technologies such as Ubiquitous Computing, Pervasive Connectivity, AI, and Cloud to Edge Infrastructure are driving rapid digital transformation.
As Intel looks ahead to the next decade, our ambitions have never been greater to unleash the power of data and advance next-generation innovations to drive a positive impact on business, society, and the planet. Thus, Intel launched its new RISE 2030 strategies to create a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable future, enabled through its technology and the expertise and passion of its employees. Intel's goal is to make technology fully inclusive and expand digital readiness for all. Intel is committed to collaborate with 30 countries governments, enabling digital access to 30 thousand institutions, and train 30 million people for current and future jobs.
What Is ‘Digital Readiness’ and Why Does It Matter?
What Is ‘Digital Readiness’ and Why Does It Matter?
Digital Readiness encompasses skills, trust, and responsible use of Emerging Technologies by people for broader socio-economic benefits. Increased digitalization requires investment in digital readiness for countries to remain competitive in the global economy. Nations want to foster local innovations, and people seek more trust and application-building capabilities with new skills.
Addressing the ‘Digital Skills Crisis’
Addressing the ‘Digital Skills Crisis’
Closing the digital skills gap can add up to $11.5 trillion in GDP in G20 countries by 2028, as per Accenture1. Addressing the emerging talent gap, such as AI-related tech and social skills, has become a critical industry and policy agenda since jobs across all sectors increasingly embrace AI.
Our Response: Intel® Digital Readiness Programs
Our Response: Intel® Digital Readiness Programs
Intel has rolled out Intel Digital Readiness Programs globally in partnership with government, academia, civil society and industry stakeholders. This shared value and shared responsibility program portfolio aims to demystify and democratize Emerging Technologies for broader non-technical audiences, irrespective of their location, gender and ethnicity.
Intel® Digital Readiness Programs
Empowering Lives with Technology
AI for Youth
For high school students.
AI for Citizens
For general public.
AI for Current Workforce
For current workforce needing to upskill or reskill.
AI for Future Workforce
For students from employability education institutions.
Digital Readiness for Leaders
For government leaders and public sector officers.
Impact Stories
First AI associates degree in the U.S., by Maricopa Community College District in Arizona, powered by Intel
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), located in Arizona, has collaborated with Intel to launch the first two-year AI associate degree program in 2020. Intel provided content on the latest AI tech skills, such as machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and social skills, such as understanding AI ethics and biases. Intel trained the faculty and helped developed AI labs, and the colleges are implementing the curriculum. It will enable thousands of students, irrespective of their ethnicity or gender, to land careers in various jobs in diverse fields such as high tech, healthcare, automotive, industrial, and aerospace. Many of the students are currently in the workforce and have begun applying their learnings immediately. The graduating students are better equipped with new technical, social, and career growth skills, ready to enter the local workforce. In Maricopa county, over 40% growth is expected by 2030 in occupations that require AI skills. Learn more about the college degree here.
German girls role model AI-readiness by building an AI-based recyclable sorter robot with Intel technologies
Three young women from Berlin have demonstrated a shining example of how Germany drives AI-readiness. Hana, Clara, and Silja built the PAMELA robot, a unique AI-based recyclable sorter for recycling plastic and aluminum. Using Intel technologies and computer vision skills, the sorter can identify plastic or metal waste (e.g., bottle caps) and sort them accordingly. The girls learned AI skills, like training robot neural networks, from Intel-trained coaches at the University of Furtwangen as a part of Digital Pact engagement. This university is one of the lead implementation partners for the AI for Youth program. The girls recently showcased the AI application to German Chancellor Angela Merkel on UN Girls Day and received accolades for their responsible usage of AI technologies. This example was also recognized as a best practice to introduce girls to a technical professional career in Germany.
Education Ministries worldwide scale AI for Youth in Public-Private Partnership mode
South Korea, India, and Poland government's public-private partnerships with Intel are exemplars to prepare their country as AI-ready nations. South Korea Ministry of Education has a multi-year MOU with Intel to build AI readiness for the next generation by scaling AI for Youth program in K-12 schools, building AI labs lighthouses, and supporting AI-based job pathfinding opportunities. The public-private partnership was benchmarked as a role model in the government's five-year Information and education plans. In India, Intel collaborates with the Central Board of Secondary Education under the Ministry of Education to bring AI education and AI in education for main subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Science across 22,000 high schools, benefitting millions of students and teachers. The Polish government identified education as one of the key pillars in its national AI policy and offers AI education for secondary schools based on AI for Youth program. These are just a few examples of how governments build long-term AI readiness with Intel collaborations.
