The first day of the Digital Enterprise Show (DES), the largest European event dedicated to exponential technologies, brought together in Málaga prominent experts from the UN, Meta, IBM, and T-Systems, who addressed the challenges of generative learning tools in the corporate world and society. The tech gurus delved into the challenges, benefits, and influence of generative AI on the community and businesses, calling for the adoption of this technology.
Mark Minevich, advisor to the UN and co-chair of the AI for the Planet Alliance, was one of the standout speakers. In his speech, he stated that the application of generative AI “should focus on humans, ethics, sustainable models, and the future of healthcare.” Minevich emphasized the importance of AI in prediction and early warning systems, mentioning the lack of prior warning for COVID-19 as an example where granular information can be crucial.
Following the impact of Chat GPT in 2023, Minevich pointed out that “2024 will be the year of personalization, improving predictive markets and productivity in supply chains,” while for 2025, “we will scale current use cases.” He stressed that although we are in a stage of great anticipation regarding AI, we are also experiencing significant growth. “If you are not an AI-driven company by 2025, you won’t matter,” he asserted. According to recent reports, investment in AI is set to reach $151.1 billion, also facing technical and legal challenges, such as copyright issues.
Another topic addressed was the integration of technology in companies and the need for training for AI to act as a catalyst for growth. Minevich advocated for removing biases from solutions and ensuring data privacy and security. “Innovation should drive society, not regulations. We need to balance, not over-regulate, and improve management and governance,” he highlighted, underscoring the importance of nurturing quality talent, especially in data scientists and engineers.
Dan Nechita, chief of staff to Dragos Tudorache in the European Parliament, discussed AI regulation. Nechita explained that the law aims to specify how AI should be used in Europe, setting clear boundaries and outlining the high and medium-level risks that the technology may pose. He clarified that the prohibition of certain AI applications is a measure of last resort and called for international cooperation to implement flexible application models, maintaining contact with the US and UK.
Following the recent final vote on the law, Nechita listed the next steps for its full implementation, which “will take a few years.” Publication in the Official Journal of the European Union will be followed by the establishment of the AI Office and a transition period for products already incorporating the digital tool, avoiding market overload.
Millán Bezosa, former director of strategic partnerships at Meta in Spain and Portugal, defended regulation as good news for the protection of civil rights. He highlighted the importance of a “human-centered strategy” addressing data privacy and security.
The day also saw discussions on integrating AI into companies to enhance their operations. Idoia Salazar, president and founder of OdiseIA, advocated for a responsible and human-centered AI strategy. Meanwhile, Daniel Newman, CEO of The Futurum Group, emphasized responsible AI use as a great opportunity for businesses, while Iñigo Viti from IBM proposed utilizing AI to stay at the forefront of digitalization, stressing the need to eliminate biases and monitor its proper use.
Osmar Polo, CEO of T-Systems Iberia, emphasized that we are in a moment of democratization and acceleration of AI but noted different adoption speeds among companies and the public administration.
The DES will continue until June 13, bringing together tech leaders and experts in Málaga to discuss the latest solutions and products that will support large corporations, SMEs, and European public administrations in their digital transformation.