Reliable Data for Innovation and Trustworthy Institutions for Reliable Data: OECD Blue Sky Forum

At the OECD Blue Sky Forum that took place on 14-16 September, Business at OECD actively engaged on the conference's theme "Charting New Frontiers in Science, Technology and Innovation". Business representatives joined several discussions, including on "Understanding the AI-enabled transformation(s) of research and innovation" and "Reimagining STI data and evidence for the next decade: moving from Blue Sky ideas to action". Our Innovation and Technology Committee Chair and BDI's Carsten Wehmeyer also took this opportunity to directly address policymakers at the event, emphasising the importance of reliable data for innovation, and of the primordial role of trusted institutions such as the OECD. He also pushed back on the idea that speed equals quality in decision-making and that human expertise and judgement is still essential to consider what we have yet to discover. Sanofi's Audrey Lhomme also represented the private sector in a session on AI-enabled transformation of research and innovation. We look forward to continuing our work with the OECD toward enabling innovation across regions and sectors, opening opportunities for all businesses.