A consortium led by Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) presented its mission to build a safe and inclusive digital society at an event in Lithuania this week. The presentation occurred at the Innovation Agency’s “Innovation Breakfast” forum, which focused on how mission oriented science can tackle societal challenges. The initiative comes as the nation prepares for an anticipated increase in sophisticated, artificial intelligence driven cyber fraud.
Addressing Accelerating Digital Risks
The event highlighted the dual edged nature of rapid technological advancement. While innovation reshapes economies, governance, and daily life, it also escalates digital threats. The pace of technological change now introduces complex security vulnerabilities faster than ever before.
The KTU consortium’s mission is a direct response to this evolving landscape. Its primary objective is to develop frameworks and tools that protect citizens and institutions from emerging cyber threats, particularly those powered by AI. This includes fraud, disinformation campaigns, and attacks on critical digital infrastructure.
A Proactive, Societal Approach
The “Safe and Inclusive Digital Society” mission is structured as a long term, research and innovation program. It moves beyond isolated technological fixes to adopt a holistic, societal perspective. The approach integrates cybersecurity with principles of digital inclusion, ensuring protective measures do not exclude any citizen group.
Officials stated the mission will foster collaboration between academia, the public sector, and private industry. This partnership model is designed to translate scientific research into practical solutions and informed policy. The goal is to build systemic resilience against cyber threats while maintaining an open and accessible digital environment.
Focus on AI-Enhanced Threats
A significant portion of the mission’s focus is dedicated to countering malicious uses of artificial intelligence. Experts predict AI will enable hyper realistic phishing attempts, automated hacking tools, and personalized disinformation at scale. Preparing for these next generation attacks is seen as a national security and economic priority.
The consortium’s work is expected to include advanced threat detection systems, public awareness campaigns, and specialized training for cybersecurity professionals. Research will also explore the ethical implications of defensive AI and the legal frameworks needed to govern its use.
Next Steps and Implementation
The formal presentation marks the transition from planning to initial execution phases for the mission. Consortium members are now tasked with detailing specific projects and securing necessary funding through national and European Union channels. The Innovation Agency will continue to facilitate discussions between stakeholders to align priorities.
Pilot projects related to AI fraud detection and secure digital public services are anticipated to begin within the next 12 to 18 months. The mission’s progress will be periodically reviewed against its core objective of strengthening Lithuania’s societal defenses in the digital age.
Source: Innovation Agency Lithuania
