Dr. Stefan Hajkowicz

Stefan is a chief research consultant at the national science agency CSIRO, where his expertise in digital technology and artificial intelligence strategy and policy has positioned him as one of Australia's leading figures in the field. His work has spanned various projects that aim to bridge the gap between advanced AI technologies and their practical applications in industry and government.

One of Stefan’s notable contributions is his leadership in developing the national AI roadmap and ethics framework, a significant initiative published by the Australian Government. This framework serves as a guiding document for navigating the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding AI development and deployment in Australia.

Recently, Stefan spearheaded a comprehensive study on the application of AI in science, research, and knowledge discovery. His latest publication, the National AI Ecosystem report, launched in December 2023, provides an in-depth look into the capabilities and specialisations of Australia’s burgeoning AI companies and research and development sector. This work is complemented by a collaborative project with the Technology Council of Australia, which mapped out Australia’s unique “Silicon Valleys” – clusters of digital technology industries flourishing in various cities and regions.

In his current role with the National Artificial Intelligence Centre (NAIC), Stefan focuses on making AI accessible to companies of all sizes. He is dedicated to helping businesses select the right AI tools to address specific challenges and adapt to the rapid changes brought about by AI-driven disruption