Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping many areas of society and the economy, and scientific research is no exception. We spoke with Jakab Roland, CEO of HUN-REN Magyar Kutatási Hálózat and founding chair of the Mesterséges Intelligencia Koalíció, about what this change means in practice, how Hungary’s research community can become competitive internationally, and which AI trends and use cases may influence the Hungarian economy in the near future.
Topics discussed
Jakab Roland emphasized that AI represents not only a technological tool but also a shift in approach: integrating data-driven, predictive and automated methods into research processes can improve efficiency and increase the international visibility of scientific results. The conversation also covered specific trends and application areas likely to matter most for the domestic economy going forward.
Where to listen to the full interview
The full interview is available as a podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms, and via an embedded player alongside the article. The episode was supported by HUN-REN Magyar Kutatási Hálózat.
Related event: AI in Energy 2026
Complementing the discussion is the "AI in Energy 2026" conference, which focuses on data-driven, predictive and automated energy systems. The event aims to showcase AI solutions applicable in the energy sector and to support their practical deployment.
Why this matters for Hungary
According to the HUN-REN CEO, adopting an AI-driven research mindset would give Hungarian institutions a better chance of turning their results into internationally competitive outputs. Adapting the technology can deliver concrete industrial and economic benefits, notably in sectors such as energy where data-driven decision-making can yield direct cost savings and efficiency gains.
Tags and credits
Topics related to the interview include program, communication, technology, funding, artificial intelligence, science and research. The article's lead image was provided by Portfolio.
