Beyond doubt, artificial intelligence has become one of the most transformative forces of our time. Today, people get to work on some of the most exciting things humanity has ever seen. Some even describe AI as “potentially bigger than fire,” highlighting its profound impact on the future of humanity.
Although the progress of artificial intelligence appears rapid, its roots trace back to the early 1950s. As such, the recent stream of AI advancements is largely due to improvements in chipsets and computing power. Despite this acceleration, significant developments take time, and the human factor remains a primary limitation to the pace of progress.
Could artificial intelligence become our best friend or our worst enemy?
Join us as we dive into the future outlook on artificial intelligence in a recent discussion between Carl-Henric Svanberg, Chairman at Swedish AI Commission, and Kye Andersson, Chief Product Officer & Co-founder at Canucci! Held at the ninth Data Innovation Summit in Stockholm, this exclusive discussion is set to tackle your curiosity about the impact of AI on humanity!
The Importance of Widespread Education on AI
When we discuss the future of artificial intelligence, we must consider its impact not only on business but also on society and humanity as a whole. Carl-Henric, an established leader in leading large organizations through significant changes, emphasizes the need for widespread education on AI. From doctors to lawyers, professionals in every field need to understand AI before its full potential can be realized.
“We should all understand that we are living in unbelievably exciting times. These are the times we’ll be talking about 20, 30, 40 years from now, reflecting on the incredible changes happening before our eyes.” stated Svanberg.
Demystifying AI & Making it Accessible to Everyone
One of the challenges faced in many organizations is convincing others that AI is not only exciting but also safe. To do this, organizations must demystify artificial intelligence and make it more accessible to everyone. One effective way of doing this is by using tangible examples of AI’s positive impact.
For example, the predictive text feature on smartphones is a clear example of AI. By analyzing users’ typing patterns, AI algorithms predict the next word or phrase, enhancing user experience. This simple illustration helps people understand how artificial intelligence functions.
Another way to demystify artificial intelligence and maximize its value in an enterprise is by introducing data and AI literacy programs. These programs enable the workforce, at any organizational level, to understand information and automation, identify their roles in the process chain, spot trends, make informed decisions, and enhance business outcomes. Over the past decade, we have developed the infrastructure to make this technology accessible; now, we just need to educate people on how to use it effectively.
“Think of it as building a highway: we’ve constructed a path that will take people places. Now, we need to teach them how to drive, navigate, and respect the rules to ensure safety. The rest is up to them. We have done this before, such as in the 1990s when we needed to educate the entire workforce to use computers and the Internet. I am confident we can manage this new technological shift just as successfully,” adds Goran Cvetanovski, CEO of Hyperight and Founder of Data Innovation Summit.
Leadership’s Role in AI Adoption
The integration of artificial intelligence into organizations demands more than merely adopting technological advancements. It necessitates a reevaluation of workflows, employee roles, data infrastructure, and organizational culture.
Behavioral changes are essential, and leaders must lead by example. CEOs cannot simply mandate AI adoption and expect business as usual. They must embrace change themselves and ensure that their organizations are prepared for the transformation.
The Crucial Role of Board Leadership
From a board perspective, the board should act as supporters, providing guidance while also asking the tough questions. “While AI can assist in gathering information and understanding processes more efficiently, it cannot replace the need for creative thinking. Therefore, it’s crucial for the board to ensure that the creative thinking process is well-established.“ adds Svanberg.
Access to Data and Precision in Decision-making
Access to data makes discussions more precise and grounded in reality, reducing guesswork. With access to data, discussions can be much more thorough and based on factual information.
However, to fully harness the benefits of artificial intelligence, standardized data definitions are necessary. In the absence of such standards, the full potential of AI remains untapped. In healthcare, standardized data definitions facilitate accurate analysis, interpretation, and application of AI-driven insights, ultimately enhancing patient care, medical research, and overall healthcare outcomes.
The Role of the AI Commission in Sweden
To accelerate AI development in Sweden, the government has established an AI commission. The commission aims to address the necessary prerequisites for AI development, including energy infrastructure, digital infrastructure, education, and access to risk capital. Still, there is a need for strong leadership and vision to ensure that Sweden remains competitive in the AI landscape.
Energy Infrastructure Concerns
By 2030, language models and computers will consume half of Sweden’s electricity needed to convert the entire car fleet, according to estimates by the AI Commission in Sweden. While this comprises only about 5% of all electricity produced, it is crucial infrastructure. Without it, they risk losing investments in Sweden. That’s why ensuring adequate energy infrastructure is essential.
“An increase of up to 5% or so is before we deduct the energy saving tools that AI should enable us to innovate. As in other technology shifts this tends to offset much of the increase or even more.” adds Svanberg.
Enhancing AI’s Healthcare Impact through Data Standardization
To maximize AI’s impact in healthcare, consistent data definitions are crucial. With standardized data, AI can swiftly provide relevant information to aid informed decision-making for doctors facing unique cases. Collaborating with the public sector to establish uniform data definitions, ensure access to compute power, and provide training is essential for the AI Commission to fully utilize AI’s benefits in healthcare.
Future Outlook: Embracing Change for a Brighter Future with AI!
According to Carl-Henric, the future outlook on artificial intelligence is bright, but it requires concerted effort and collaboration. We all must educate, advocate, and embrace change to unlock AI’s full potential. By doing so, we can create a future where AI benefits not only businesses but society as a whole.
As Carl-Henric Svanberg urges – “We are all apostles leading the way in changing the world with artificial intelligence. Let’s go out there and do our job!”
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