The digital divide, the coming quantum economy, space technology and climate change, and the development of sector-specific regulation around AI governance.
The digital divide, the coming quantum economy, space technology and climate change, and the development of sector-specific regulation around AI governance.
The focus should now be on a conscious approach to AI – it’s application across sectors and its interface with other technologies – and an unwavering commitment to putting people first.
Technology leaders acknowledged the temporal aspect of this and agreed that while there may be disruption, there is time for deliberate adaptation. The focus should now be on a conscious approach, with an unwavering commitment to putting people first in this transformative process.
Moreover, this more sophisticated trajectory, distinguishing between different models and applications in generative AI, can draw from existing regulations. The key will be to use these frameworks in finance, healthcare, aviation etc. and tailor them to the specific characteristics of AI – among and across other innovations – in each respective sector.
1. Much of the world is still analogue and disconnected
Despite the time we spend on our screens, we tend to forget that we live in a physical world that occasionally interacts with the digital. It is an intricately complex process to scale up these interfaces to a level that fundamentally changes how we live and work. That will take time. This understanding, that not everything can be immediately and seamlessly replaced by technological counterparts, challenges the more simplistic narratives.
2. We need to prepare for the coming quantum economy
While we refer to quantum computing as an emerging technology, many applications within the quantum economy have already arrived, including sensing, navigation and communications. It can be expected to have an even more significant impact on the global economy by 2030 at the latest, in ways comparable to AI. Businesses and governments can start acting now to ensure a skilled and highly interdisciplinary workforce.
3. Space technology is critical for planet earth
The top four global risks over the next 10 years are related to climate change. The technologies of the fourth industrial revolution can be used to tackle these risks. In particular, they play an important role in space technology. William Marshall, co-founder and chief executive officer of Planet Labs PBC, noted how earth imaging systems produce revolutionary data that will enable us to transition to a sustainable economy.
4. AI will help us to prioritize our humanity
AI is already transforming industries from healthcare to manufacturing and creating new pathways to deliver education and public services.
“AI allows humans to access better tools and more capabilities than ever before,” said , chief executive officer of OpenAI.
The transformative use of AI in healthcare is illustrated by scenarios where AI enhances efficiency and facilitates more empathetic interactions between medical professionals and patients. There is potential for more personalized solutions, especially when coupled with the intersection of AI with other technologies such as quantum.
5. Continuous dialogue will deliver the benefits
The need for nuance beyond polarized narratives was an overarching sentiment as leaders called for measured, thoughtful and inclusive conversations that consider the intricate interplay between technology, governance and societal well-being.
Only coordinated governance can ensure that AI delivers benefits inclusively and ethically, especially during heightened geopolitical instability. There was notable resolve in ensuring that these technologies advance our capabilities and are harnessed to address some of the most pressing challenges of our times, such as climate change and digital inequality.