Davos on AI-Org
DALL-E: Curt Doty
At the 2024 Davos meeting, the discussions about Generative AI (gen AI) were particularly significant. Key topics included how businesses can effectively integrate gen AI into their operations and the broader implications of these technologies on business strategies.
Senior Partner at McKinsey, Kate Smaje, who has experience in digitally enabled strategy and organizational transformations, contributed insights on the subject. Her work emphasizes the importance of understanding the full impact of technology disruption on business strategy and leading digital, data, and design transformations as industry dynamics evolve. Smaje's approach involves working with senior leadership teams to build the necessary mindsets, capabilities, and grassroots understanding for successful and sustainable change.
The focus of the discussions at Davos was not just on the adoption of gen AI but also on how organizations can be "rewired" to take full advantage of the opportunities it presents. Some may call this a Re-Org, but I call it an “AI-Org.” This involves a holistic approach to digital and AI transformations, starting with problem identification rather than technology-first solutions. The dialogue at Davos reflects a growing awareness among business leaders of the need to adapt and evolve in response to the rapid development of generative AI technologies.
Related article - The Need for Speed
The World Economic Forum held in Davos was a platform for political, business, and civil society leaders to discuss the opportunities and risks of AI. Collaboration between industry, governments, and civil society will be vital to develop AI standards and governance models in 2024 and beyond.
One of the big debates around the development of AI in the past year has been whether it is better for companies to keep their AI models in-house or to make them available more openly.
Meta believes that progress and vigilance can go hand in hand. They are confident that AI technologies have the potential to bring huge benefits to societies - from boosting productivity to accelerating scientific research. They believe that it is both possible and necessary for these technologies to be be developed in a responsibe, transparent, and accountable way, with safeguards built into AI products to mitigate many of the potential risks, and collaboration between government and industry to establish standards and guard rails.
We’ll see how they follow through on that.
Global Update
The adoption and regulation of AI in 2024 has seen significant developments and collaboration between industry, governments, and civil society across the globe:
1. European Union (EU): The EU is working on the AI Liability Directive, aimed at financial compensation for those harmed by AI technology. This is in addition to the already proposed AI Act. The EU's proactive stance in regulating AI is influential globally, often setting standards adopted by other regions.
Related article - The Artificial Intelligence Liability Directive
2. China: AI regulation in China has been fragmented, with legislation emerging in response to specific AI applications. However, China is planning a more comprehensive AI law that may be introduced in 2024. This law is expected to cover all aspects of AI, similar to the EU's approach, and includes proposals for a national AI office and a “negative list” of high-risk AI areas.
3. Global Cooperation: More than 37 countries, including major players like India and Japan, have proposed AI-related legal frameworks. The United Nations has created an AI advisory board for global governance standards, and the Bletchley Declaration signed by representatives from the EU, U.S., U.K., China, and others emphasizes international cooperation on trustworthy AI.
Related article - Britain publishes 'Bletchley Declaration' on AI safety
4. Corporate Commitment: Major tech companies have committed to voluntarily regulate the development of AI. This includes developing tools to identify AI-generated content, reporting AI systems’ capabilities and limitations, and prioritizing research on societal risks posed by AI systems. Microsoft, for instance, has pledged to support initiatives in AI safety, security, and trustworthiness.
5. U.S. Approach: There is a growing call in the U.S. for comprehensive AI regulation. The emphasis is on collective responsibility and a shift from apprehension to exploring AI’s potential. However, there is recognition that the path to artificial general intelligence is far off, and premature regulation might stifle innovation.
Related article - Innovation or Regulation? That is the Question.
6. International Collaboration: Efforts like Canada's directive on AI in government, Singapore's Model AI Governance Framework, Japan’s Human-Centric AI principles, and the U.K.’s guidance on AI ethics and safety are leading examples. The U.S. has also provided guidance to federal agencies on AI regulation. The EU's comprehensive legislative scheme on AI governance is prompting international cooperation and harmonization of AI standards and regulations.
Related Article - The Ethics of Generative AI
In summary, 2024 marks a significant year in the evolution of AI regulation and collaboration, with a focus on developing responsible, ethical, and safe AI practices through international cooperation and industry commitment.
Sources:
https://about.fb.com/news/2024/01/davos-ai-discussions/
About the Author
Curt Doty specializes in branding, product development, social strategy, integrated marketing, and UXD. He has extensive experience on AI-driven platforms MidJourney, Adobe Firefly, Bard, ChatGPT, Colossyan, Murf.ai, and Shutterstock. His legacy of entertainment branding: Electronic Arts, EA Sports, ProSieben, SAT.1, WBTV Latin America, Discovery Health, ABC, CBS, A&E, StarTV, Fox, Kabel 1, TV Guide Channel, and Prevue Channel.
He is a sought after public speaker having been featured at Mobile Growth Association, Mobile Congress, App Growth Summit, Promax, CES, CTIA, NAB, NATPE, MMA Global, New Mexico Angels, Santa Fe Business Incubator, EntrepeneursRx and AI Impact. He is now represented by Ovationz. His most recent consultancy RealmIQ helps companies manage the AI Revolution.
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