Charting Humanity’s Next Great Leap

Picture a world rising from the Black Death’s aftermath, on the verge of dramatic change. Enter the printing press, the catalyst for the Renaissance, marking a profound shift from the Middle Ages to modernity.

Today’s era reflects this pivotal moment. Post-pandemic, we stand on the cusp of an equally monumental shift. The emergence of AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard signifies a seismic shift, parallel to the invention of the printing press. These tools aren’t just new gadgets; they represent a fundamental shift in how we interact with information and technology.

As we embrace these changes, it’s crucial to reflect on the lessons of history. Just as the Renaissance reshaped every aspect of society and our economies, AI promises a similar, if not more profound,
transformation. We’re at a juncture where understanding and integrating AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a present necessity.

Yet, amidst the cautionary advice of new AI ‘experts,’ a crucial oversight emerges: the focus on the immediate challenges of AI implementation, important as it is, often neglects the long-term vision. While grappling with the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of AI is essential, it’s the ‘where’ that will define our future trajectory.

To truly grasp AI’s potential, we must look beyond the current applications and envision a future reshaped by its influence. This vision is not about distant, abstract concepts but about tangible changes that will redefine our world.

The linked Near Future Scenario reveals how AI, combined with such other important emerging technologies as Internet of Things (IoT) and Blockchain, could radically transform essential business processes, providing a context for the sweeping changes that AI can bring. It’s a window into a future where AI’s full potential is realized, urging us to think beyond the immediate and embrace a future where AI is a fundamental part of our society and economy. And these changes are coming much faster than many
people recognize. See How 2024 Will Be A.I.’s ‘Leap Forward’.

This post begins a series highlighting the need for a long-term, strategic view of AI. A major blunder organizations make with AI is prioritizing short-term tactics over a clear, strategic approach. Looking ahead 90 days, or even a year, rather than 3 – 5 years.

In upcoming posts we’ll explore ways AI will dramatically change our world – and sooner than you may think. We’ll talk about what will enable these changes. And critically, we’ll discuss how you can develop and execute a strategy for the long-term even in the face of near-term strategic disruptions – such as the AI Revolution.

Focus not on where you want to be in 2024, but where you need to be by 2030. In this AI dawn, let’s not just adapt but lead. Let’s harness the lessons of the past to navigate the future, ensuring that as AI reshapes our world, we’re not just spectators but active architects of this new era.

In a world brimming with newly minted AI ‘experts,’ Jack Shaw stands apart with nearly 40 years of experience in AI. His insights go beyond immediate AI applications, offering a seasoned perspective on its long-term transformative potential. As a former head of a commercial AI software division and a speaker with over 25 years of experience enlightening global audiences on AI, Jack provides unmatched expertise. His presentations are not just informative but visionary, equipping leaders with the foresight needed in
this AI-driven era. Jack’s unique blend of deep AI knowledge, business acumen, and engaging speaking style makes him the ideal candidate to address this critical topic.