Issue 660
Public Affairs Ireland
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Welcome to PAI's weekly newsletter
Welcome to this week's public sector news update. Let's begin by exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to expedite the progress of the circular economy. Our Finance Minister embarked on a journey to Luxembourg, representing Ireland at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) and Eurogroup meetings. Additionally, we have some fresh updates on The International Procurement Instrument (IPI), which became operational in August 2022. Lastly, the realm of climate science reminds us that we possess various choices and emphasizes the urgent need for transformative action.?
The global economy still functions in a linear manner and is characterized by the extraction, production, consumption, and disposal of materials. This is a problem given that we live on a planet with finite resources. Yet the shift to a circular economy, in which businesses recover or recycle resources used in their value chain, has remained elusive, despite offering?trillions of dollars in value creation . Barriers include the low residual value of used products, an inability to collect materials, prohibitive costs of separating and processing materials, and lack of traceability of products and materials that are being recycled.
To accelerate the pace of innovation and learning, the Digital, Data, and Design (D^3) Institute at Harvard Business School recently hosted an?event focused on the circular economy , where entrepreneurs and business leaders shared how they’re using digital tools and artificial intelligence to remove those barriers and create entirely new markets and business models. Specifically, the conference helped identify three main ways to achieve a more circular economy: increasing product utilization, material efficiency, and use of recycled materials.
Product Utilization
Product utilization seeks to extend the useful life of a product, such as through sharing economy platforms, product refurbishment programs, or enhancing product duration. One new way companies are extending the life of the product is through over-the-air software updates that increase the residual value of a product. Take the example of the iPhone. Today, the iPhone constitutes?80% of the market ?among 300 million or so phones in the secondhand market. A primary reason for this success, Marcelo Claure, former CEO of Sprint and Softbank International, explained at the event, is the forward compatibility of the iOS operating system, which ensures a user can access the app ecosystem and all the new features that Apple releases, maintaining iPhones’ appeal as a high-quality product in the secondhand market. Over-the-air updates of software is becoming the norm for more products — even cars. As a result, we expect an increase in the residual value of used products and an increase in product utilization....
To read full article click?here!
Wednesday, September 6th, 2023, 1
0am – 4.00pm, Online
AI & GDPR: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence while complying with Data Protection Laws
Monday, July 17th, 2023,
10.00am – 1.00pm, Online
The Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath, on Thursday?travelled to Luxembourg to represent Ireland at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) and Eurogroup meetings.
At the Eurogroup, Minister McGrath will join his ministerial colleagues in discussing the latest developments in the digital euro project, based on updates from the European Commission and the European Central Bank.
The President of the Eurogroup, Paschal Donohoe, will present the Eurogroup work programme for the period until March 2024. Eurogroup will continue to hold regular exchanges on macroeconomic developments and continue coordinating economic and fiscal policies. Ministers will be invited to give their views and endorse the programme.
Ministers will discuss post-programme surveillance for Greece, Cyprus, Ireland, Portugal and Spain. Minister McGrath will speak and welcome the latest report’s findings on Ireland, which finds that Ireland retains the capacity to repay our programme loans to the EFSF and EFSM, and that the economic, fiscal and financial situation in Ireland is sound overall, despite a number of challenges.
The IMF will present the main messages of its Article IV Consultation with Member Countries on Common Euro Area Policies*.
At the Eurogroup in inclusive format, Ministers will give their reactions to presentations from the IMF, ECB and European Commission on the performance and future of European capital markets....
To read the full press release?click here
Wednesday, June 21st, 2023,
09:30 am – 1:00 pm, Online
Tuesday September 19th & 26th, 2023,
9:30am – 3:30pm, Blended
The International Procurement Instrument (IPI)?link ?is an EU Regulation that came into effect in August 2022. While it is primarily a trade instrument it has significant procurement-related provisions.
The purpose of the Instrument is to restrict access to the EU internal market, including the area of public contracts, for third countries?(1)?that have placed constraints on access to their markets for EU operators.
Actions in the area of procurement – whether in the conduct of competitions or the award of contracts would only occur after the imposition of an IPI measure on a specific third country by the European Commission, which in itself is a lengthy process. At present, no actions in this area have been taken by the European Commission.
At this time, it is sufficient, in both procurement documents and draft contracts, to make a general reference to the IPI and its provisions as an informational addition to procurement legislation.
A sample text is available in OGP’s template documents, following consultation with the Chief State Solicitor’s Office.
(1.0)?The scope of this Regulation applies to third counties which are not party to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) or any EU trade agreements that include provisions on public procurement.
(1.1)?Covered Procurement – The IPI does not apply. Where a third country is a Party to the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement or has concluded a trade agreement with the Union that includes provisions on public procurement, any measures relating to restrictive practices in public procurement would follow the consultation mechanisms set out in those agreements.
(1.2)?Non-covered Procurement – The IPI may apply. Where a third country is not covered by the arrangements set out in the previous paragraph the EU may decide to apply the provisions of the IPI to address restrictive practices.
To read the full press release?click here
领英推荐
September 12th,13th, 26th, 27th, 2023
October 10th,11th,24th,25th, 2023,
9:30 - 4:30pm , Blended
?Wednesday 28th & 29th of June 2023
9.30am – 4.00pm, Online
Climate science shows we have options, and that we can and must change
The future is not prescribed, and fatalism is not an option
Climate adaptation refers to dealing with the expected impacts of climate change and taking practical actions to manage risks, protect communities and strengthen the resilience of the economy (for example, from sea level rise). Adaptation is an essential response to climate change and it needs to be informed by the best available science.
?More than 600 people will converge on Dublin Castle next week, in person and virtually, to explore, discuss and generate “actionable knowledge for a climate resilient Europe”. These will include climate adaptation researchers and practitioners, policymakers, local authorities, the private sector, investors, NGOs, citizens’ organisations, youth and education organisations, community groups engaged in adaptation, musicians and other performing artists.
?The goal of this sixth European Climate Change Adaptation (ECCA) Conference is to inform and inspire effective adaptation actions by showcasing solutions, exchanging knowledge, creating connections and encouraging dialogue on how to act.
?Dialogue that builds trust and bridges between science, policy and practice in climate resilience has never been more urgent. The recently published Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Synthesis Report urgently called for “accelerated implementation of adaptation actions” in addition to “deep, rapid and sustained mitigation” this decade.
?This international expert body of scientists revealed the extent to which human-caused climate change is already affecting every region of the world. Widespread adverse impacts and related losses and damages are increasingly apparent both in nature and for people.
?There are significant injustices associated with this, as vulnerable communities that have historically contributed the least to current climate change are disproportionately affected by these adverse impacts.
To read full article please?click here
Monday, October 16th, 2023
9.30am – 3.00pm,Online
Wednesday, July 5th 2023
10.00am – 12.30pm,Online
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