By Prof. Samitha Hettige

The PIC-NET (Public Impact Champions Network) to optimize Sri Lanka’s public services digitalization shall be implemented with men to man identified among serving officers. Minimizing hacking & cyber crimes etc. is the primary objective as national digital economy is forecasted to grow from 3% to 12% by 2030. The PIC-NET is to improve efficiency, quality & revenue generation using communication technology in economic activities. Digital economy expansions in developed states, challenges for the 3^rd world & India’s progress in digital economic development have been discussed at the launch (Ref. Media). Apart from India, Chinese lessons could be studied as the world’s 2^nd largest economy is expecting a 12% growth in its digital economy during the 15^th five year plan 2026 – 30.

China’s AI Metrics

‘Metrology’ is the science of measurement & its application. Metrology isn’t about routine making of measurements but it’s the infrastructure to ensure the accuracy of the measurement. ‘Metrology’ covers the accuracy, precision & repeatability of a measurement & involves traceability/ comparison with a standard or between different measuring systems (Ref.npl.uk). As part of China’s ‘AI Plus’ initiative, State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) & National Development & Reform Commission introduced guidelines for the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) metrology system & related capacity building to map China’s AI metrology capabilities in a systematic manner. The guidelines focus on six key areas:

1. Foundational support
2. General technology
3. Core technology
4. Metrological technical standards
5. Metrology service industry
6. Intelligent empowerment of metrology.

In addition to China, Germany is also planning a rapid expansion of data center capacity to lead the global technology race. Construction of an ‘AI Gigafactory’ is also planned as part of this (Ref. Media).

Human measuring history

Some believe that history of measurement is the history of mankind. Natural standards of length such as the hand, span & palm etc. were used from earliest times but establishing a permanent standard hasn’t taken place until the construction of the great ‘Khufu’ Pyramid (Egypt - 2900 BC). The pharaoh Khufu is believed to be the 1^st to decree that a standard unit of length be fixed (a black granite named Royal Egyptian Cubit which was the length of the ruling Pharaoh’s forearm & hand). It was also decreed that all working wooden cubits be compared with the granite cubit every full moon & failure to do so was punishable by death (Ref.msc-conf.com). Sri Lankans who usually take a break on full moon days will have to be vigilant to prevent cyber crimes to strengthen the national economy. Since democracy has replaced Pharaohs & death penalty is defunct, PIC-NET should be the safety net. It should ensure highest standards to prevent conflicts arising from people taking their own lives due to cyber crimes.

Views expressed are personal/ Photo source WWW.