At DES 2024, taking place in Fycma, Málaga, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial tool for business competitiveness. Tech gurus have made a clear warning: companies that do not adopt AI by 2025 will be left behind in the market.
AI at DES 2024
Málaga, Spain – The Digital Enterprise Show (DES), a European event dedicated to exponential technologies, kicked off today in Málaga, Spain. The event has brought together technology experts to discuss the ethical and human aspects of applying artificial intelligence (AI).
🌐 Embark on a journey through the implications of the AI Act for European enterprises at the Main Auditorium with Dan Nechita from #EuropeanParlament. Enjoy this vital discussion on navigating the evolving landscape of AI regulation! #DES2024 #AI #Regulation #Enterprise pic.twitter.com/ikbKCCj2xe
— #DES2024 (@DES_show) June 11, 2024
A Human-Centered Approach to AI
Mark Minevich, a UN advisor and co-chair of the AI for the Planet Alliance, emphasized the importance of a human-centered approach to AI development. He stated that AI applications should focus on “ethics, sustainable models, and the future of health.” He highlighted AI’s potential for predictive modeling and early warning systems, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of where such systems could have made a difference.
Personalization, Predictive Markets, and Supply Chain Productivity
Minevich also predicted that 2024 will be the year of “personalization, improved predictive markets, and supply chain productivity,” while 2025 will see the “scaling of current use cases.” He acknowledged that while there is a lot of hype surrounding AI, there is also significant growth in the field. “If you’re not an AI-driven company by 2025, you won’t matter,” he warned.
Investment in AI on the Rise
According to Minevich, recent reports indicate that AI investment will reach $151.1 billion, which will also bring about technical and legal challenges, such as copyright issues.
Integration Challenges and the Need for Talent
Minevich also highlighted the challenge of integrating AI into businesses and using AI as a growth catalyst, which will require employee training. Finally, he advocated for eliminating bias in AI solutions and ensuring data privacy and security. “Innovation should drive society, not regulations. We need to balance, not over-regulate, and we need better management and governance,” he said. He also stressed the importance of nurturing quality talent. “We need data scientists and engineers,” he stated.
EU AI Regulation
Dan Nechita, Chief of Staff to Dragos Tudorache at the European Parliament and head of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on AI, delved into the topic of regulation. Nechita shared the general vision of the regulation, stating that it is about “specifying how AI is used in Europe in ways that we do not accept,” although “prohibition is a last resort tool.”
Addressing the Risks of AI
Nechita discussed the different risks addressed by the law, from high risks that regulate the impact of AI on fundamental rights to medium risks that could affect people with experiences such as deepfakes or chatbots. “Prohibited AI can be subject to negotiation for use by governments and the state. There are arguments for certain use cases. But we wanted to make sure there were limits. For example, facial recognition in public places needs approval for specific situations,” he said. He also advocated for international cooperation to implement flexible application models, for which they are in contact with the US and UK.
Next Steps for the AI Regulation
Following the final vote on the law a few weeks ago, Nechita outlined the next steps for the regulation, as full implementation “will take a few years.” It will soon be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and the AI Office will be created in 12 months. There will then be a period of time for products that already incorporate the digital tool, in order not to overload the market. “The AI Act is future-proof, as many parts can be updated without having to go through the whole process again,” he said.
Responsible Strategies and Technology Integration
The first day also saw discussions on how to integrate AI into businesses to effectively boost their operations. Idoia Salazar, President and Founder of OdiseIA, advocated for a human-centered, responsible AI strategy that addresses data privacy and security. “We need to think about how and why AI systems are used. We need team members who are knowledgeable about ethics, legislation, and humanistic profiles, in order to be able to focus artificial intelligence in the right way.”
The “Great Reset” and the Opportunity of AI
Daniel Newman, CEO of The Futurum Group, also pointed to the responsible use and the opportunity that AI has brought about as a “great reset.” “Companies are now looking for new types of suppliers. It’s changing everything.” In this context, Iñigo Viti, Business Development Director, Data & AI at IBM, proposed using AI to stay at the forefront of digitization. “You need to be able to deploy machine learning models, curate data, eliminate bias, and make sure they don’t deviate. That framework is missing and that’s what we need to focus on,” he said.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Successful AI Strategy
Osmar Polo, CEO of T-Systems Iberia, highlighted the current acceleration of AI adoption, but noted the different speeds at which businesses and public administrations are integrating the technology. “When responding to corporate problems, you need a platform and guidelines for your teams to experiment and learn with AI. Have a lighthouse project so people can try it out and learn how to use the technology,” he advised.
Key Takeaways for Businesses
The DES 2024 discussions offer valuable insights for businesses looking to leverage AI:
- Focus on a human-centered approach: Ensure AI solutions are ethical, address privacy concerns, and benefit humanity.
- Identify your business needs: Don’t be swept up in the hype. Carefully consider how AI can address specific challenges and improve operations.
- Invest in talent and training: Building an AI-powered workforce is crucial for successful implementation.
- Prepare for regulation: Understand the evolving legal landscape surrounding AI.
- Start small and iterate: Begin with pilot projects to test the waters and refine your AI strategy.
Conclusion
AI is not just a passing trend; it is a crucial tool for the survival and success of companies in the future. Adopting AI by 2025 will not only be a competitive differentiator but a necessity to avoid going unnoticed in the market.
FAQs
Why is adopting AI in companies by 2025 crucial?
Adopting AI is essential for improving efficiency, personalization, and data-driven decision-making. Companies that do not adopt this technology will lag behind their competitors.
What are the main challenges of integrating AI?
The main challenges include proper employee training, eliminating biases in AI models, and ensuring data privacy and security.
What role does European regulation play in AI adoption?
European regulation provides a framework for the responsible and safe use of AI, regulating risks and promoting international cooperation for flexible and effective implementation.
How can companies ensure ethical use of AI?
To ensure ethical use of AI, companies should focus on transparency, eliminating biases in models, protecting data privacy, and ensuring that AI benefits all stakeholders.
What benefits does AI offer in terms of productivity and personalization?
AI can significantly improve productivity by automating repetitive tasks and enabling more informed decisions. Additionally, it facilitates the personalization of products and services, enhancing customer experience and loyalty.
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