
Mellby Gård
04 June 2024
Mellby Gård recently hosted its annual CEO and chairman forum, focusing on AI, its impact on business and society, and geopolitics. With insights from both academia, analysts and companies on different stages on AI maturity, the day gave the participants inspirations and tools ton how they can utilize AI in their different business operations.
A Comprehensive Introduction to AI
Kalle Åström, professor in mathematics at Lund University, commenced the day, explaining the evolution of AI from its inception in 1956 to its current status as a global phenomenon impacting various sectors.
Åström emphasized the challenges in AI training, such as data dependency and accuracy limitations, and stressed the importance of integrating AI into business decision-making processes.
- What’s important is that we talk about AI, keep an open mind and listen to the people who have the data and the practical problems that AI can solve. Also, think about how AI can be applied at a general management level, for better decision-making, says Kalle Åström.
Nvidia and the 4th Industrial Revolution
In the second session of the day, Mark Hammarstedt from Nvidia Sweden, discussed the critical role of accelerated computing and AI in the 4th industrial revolution. He described Nvidia's journey from the gaming industry to a leader in AI-driven real-world applications and the development of digital twins.
- AI is already transforming everything, and every industry! There is a huge demand for easy and fast deployment solutions, even more so for niche problems, says Mark Hammarstedt.
Hammarstedt urged Sweden to enhance its AI infrastructure, reform venture capital laws, and focus on opportunities to advance in AI innovation.
Reflections on AI for businesses and society
For the third session, Johan Wester, founder of Skånemotor, underscored AI’s significance for democracy and societal development. He highlighted the urgency for Sweden to improve its AI adoption:
- AI is here to stay regardless of what we think, the earlier we get into it the better. We need the best people to be involved in this.
Wester outlined actionable steps for businesses to start with AI, including:
• Education and Critical Thinking
• Networking and Collaboration
• Strategic Investment
• Optimism and Creativity
Geopolitical Insights and reflections on AI
Andreas von der Heide, analyst at Concilio, explored the current geopolitical landscape, emphasizing its multipolar nature marked by instability, competition, and regional power shifts.
Von der Heide advised companies to incorporate geopolitical analysis into their strategic planning. He suggested focusing on flexibility over resilience, securing supply chains, and spreading risk to manage potential disruptions effectively. He also emphasized the importance of promoting good values and knowledge globally to enhance geopolitical stability.
