EPISODE · Mar 5, 2026 · 51 MIN
Inside Australia’s AI Strategy: Lee Hickin on Adoption, Confidence and the Future of AI
from ROI from AI · host SMEC AI
In this episode of ROI from AI, Andrew Lai and Amir Nissen sit down with Lee Hickin, Director of the National AI Centre, to discuss how Australia is approaching AI adoption across government, industry and society.Lee shares insights from his 35-year career in technology, including leadership roles at IBM, Microsoft and AWS, before stepping into public service to help shape Australia’s AI future.The conversation explores:• Why the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t technology — it’s confidence• How Australia compares to other countries in AI adoption• Why AI may be even bigger than the industrial revolution• The role of government in enabling responsible AI use• How SMEs can safely explore AI opportunities• Real-world AI use cases in healthcare, agriculture and sport• Why Lee believes AI is fundamentally a tool for helping peopleThis episode offers a thoughtful look at the future of AI adoption in Australia and globally, and what it will take to ensure the benefits are widely shared.
What this episode covers
In this episode of ROI from AI, Andrew Lai and Amir Nissen sit down with Lee Hickin, Director of the National AI Centre, to discuss how Australia is approaching AI adoption across government, industry and society.Lee shares insights from his 35-year career in technology, including leadership roles at IBM, Microsoft and AWS, before stepping into public service to help shape Australia’s AI future.The conversation explores:• Why the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t technology — it’s confidence• How Australia compares to other countries in AI adoption• Why AI may be even bigger than the industrial revolution• The role of government in enabling responsible AI use• How SMEs can safely explore AI opportunities• Real-world AI use cases in healthcare, agriculture and sport• Why Lee believes AI is fundamentally a tool for helping peopleThis episode offers a thoughtful look at the future of AI adoption in Australia and globally, and what it will take to ensure the benefits are widely shared.
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Inside Australia’s AI Strategy: Lee Hickin on Adoption, Confidence and the Future of AI
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