RIK VERA

AI: an opportunity or threat?

We must quickly realize the significance of human intervention and the tremendous opportunity of the future: how humans and AI can collaborate. The key challenge of tomorrow lies in mastering the art of cooperation between humans and AI.

 

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence, a branch of computer science that empowers machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes speech recognition, image processing, and data-driven decision-making. AI enables computers to “learn” from experience and improve their performance in executing tasks. Now, AI is not the superintelligence depicted in science fiction movies. AI lacks consciousness or the ability to develop its own will. It can only operate within the boundaries of its programming and the data it has received. Every technology, including AI, has two sides: the good and the bad.

With these insights, Rik dives into the concept of dual usage in AI. It is vital to acknowledge that AI can be both a tremendous force for good and a potential source of harm – and we must not forget the “ugly” in-between. AI can have profoundly positive effects on society. It can aid in medical diagnoses, enhance traffic management, spur innovation, and increase efficiency across various sectors. However, on the flip side, we must remain aware of its potential for misuse. AI can be exploited for malicious purposes, such as spreading misinformation, orchestrating cyberattacks, influencing elections, or even developing autonomous weapons systems.

And let’s not neglect the “ugly,” as Rik likes to call it – the unintended consequences or side effects of AI usage. Bias in algorithms is a prime example, leading to unintended discriminatory decisions by AI. Job displacement due to automation is another aspect we need to consider.

Given these complexities, it becomes evident that addressing the major challenges facing humanity, society, and businesses requires optimizing numerous interconnected variables in a complicated and dynamic balance. Humans are not naturally adept at this task, which is where AI comes in as an incredible ally in the form of augmented intelligence.

In this keynote “Is AI an opportunity or threat?” Rik will delve into the impact of AI on businesses and demonstrate how companies can embrace AI and prepare for the not-so-distant future. Being ready for augmented intelligence and outpacing the competition is crucial. Rik will reveal actionable steps that businesses can take today to be at the forefront. So, if you wish to be well-prepared for the era of augmented intelligence and gain a substantial competitive advantage, don’t miss this keynote.

What others say about Rik

David Lewis
David LewisLondon Business School
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"Rik's real world experience in pushing the boundaries of business and exploiting technology to innovate, is invaluable to our executive participants at the London Business School. His ability to use stories to bring challenging ideas alive, educates and inspires."
Tim Orme
Tim OrmeLondon Business School
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"Thanks for your continued commitment to the programme over the years. I’ve really enjoyed working together on RFC."
Michiel Bleys
Michiel BleysUnilever
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"We had the pleasure of welcoming Rik during Unilever’s Global Execution Forum, inspiring 22 markets to become co-architects of our future-fit Execution framework. Rik triggered a growth mindset and sparked the energy by providing thought-provoking angles, convincing us that waiting isn’t an option. One thing that we’ll immediately start integrating is Rik’s NCS KPI, as we truly want to harness the power of ‘staying curious’: not looking at what we have, but at what it can become!"
Elke de Clerck
Elke de ClerckRousselot
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"Rik inspires, moves and makes things move. Highly recommend to invite Rik to rock&roll you into new insights. For all those looking for change and directions of change."
Jose Voisin
Jose VoisinCarmeuse
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"Rick is an insightful leader and great speaker who effectively inspires people about embracing Change and Digitalization."

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