National AI Office launched to help the Island seize opportunity and support responsible adoption of AI

The Isle of Man Government has today launched its National AI Office building on existing work to support the Island to make the most of artificial intelligence in a practical, sustainable and responsible way.

Building on Digital Isle of Man’s Activate AI initiative launched in 2024, the Isle of Man Government has committed a further £1 million of funding, which has been approved by Treasury and drawn from previously allocated AI funding provided by the Economic Strategy Fund, towards establishing the National AI Office, to provide a clear focal point for national coordination and acceleration, together with policy development and advice in relation to AI adoption, risks and opportunities for the Island. 

The National AI Office brings together existing functions and expertise, led by Digital Isle of Man, from across Government as well as working closely with industry to accelerate responsible AI adoption, innovation and trusted governance across the Island. This work will aim to drive economic growth, build AI literacy across the Island, and drive improvement in public services delivery and efficiency.  

The three core objectives for the NAIO are to:

• Enable the growth of our economy and strengthen competitiveness
• Drive improvement in public services delivery and efficiency
• Build AI literacy in the Island’s community to support inclusive engagement

Chief Minister, Alfred Cannan MHK, commented:  

‘The launch of the National AI Office today builds on a period of significant groundwork to agree a clear operating model, purpose and key deliverables, and marks the beginning of the next phase of our journey.  

‘There is no doubt that artificial intelligence is already transforming our economy and society. The National AI Office will enable us to respond to that change in collaboration with industry, recognising that public and private sectors must work in lockstep if we are to realise the full benefits of this rapid technological change. 

‘That same principle is central to our wider Efficiencies Programme. We are serious about reform, and AI must be part of how we deliver faster, simpler and more cost-effective services for our community.’ 

The National AI Office will focus on the following six deliverables in the first year:  

• Developing a delivery-ready National AI Strategy, shaped by government, industry and community input. 

• Delivering a coordinated AI literacy programme, supporting people and businesses to use AI responsibly, build capability and understand risk. 

• Accelerating practical AI adoption across the economy, helping businesses improve productivity, scale and competitiveness. 

• Providing clear guidance for safe and responsible AI use, supporting ethical, secure deployment and building public trust. 

• Driving AI-enabled improvement in public services, aligned with the Efficiencies Programme to deliver services that are faster, simpler and more cost-effective. 

• Supporting a future-ready workforce, through impact assessment, reskilling opportunities and expanded access to AI training and expertise. 

Minister for Enterprise, Tim Johnston MHK, commented:  

‘The National AI Office is not about creating another organisation within government. It is about bringing together existing functions, resources, skills and expertise into a focused operating model that builds on strong foundations already in place. 

‘Digital Isle of Man has already delivered free AI training and AI solutions support to thousands of people through its Activate AI programme, and this is a natural next step — taking a more coordinated, strategic approach that brings together capability across government to harness AI for the benefit of our community, our economy and the way government operates.

‘Our  allocation of a £1 million investment will be focused on delivering the six priority areas over the first 12 months, making best use of the resources, partnerships and capability we already have, while laying the groundwork for long-term impact and productivity gains felt right across the economy.’ 

More information about the National AI Office is available at: digitialisleofman.com/naio