Very Soon Humans Will Become Assistants To AI: Adi Yoffe

In a post-pandemic, tech-disrupted world, future is a kaleidoscope of innovation and opportunity. A world aided by artificial intelligence is on a continuous drive for improvement. Israel-based Business Futurist, i Yoffe shares key insights in an exclusive interview with Republic.

As a business futurist, what are your insights on role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping future of business in India?

biggest disruptor in our reality today is undoubtedly artificial intelligence. We will be impacted by this global technology improvement in every aspect of our lives. This is not just about productivity and efficiency, but it raises new questions about future of education, future of human knowledge, and future of humanity. question of wher generative AI is responsible for a given product, piece of content, movie, or program, will soon be irrelevant.

Hence, ethics and regulations will play a significant role in defining future relationship between humans and algorithms. At end of this process, we will know who holds essential skills of creativity and innovation for businesses of future, hopefully it would be humans. How do you see emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain,

How will AI impact way businesses operate in future?

AI is being referred to as a “just” assistant to humans, a decision support tool, but it is just beginning. During next few years, we will be reversing roles and humans will become assistants to AI, so every businessperson must ask himself how he or she can stay relevant in a world like this.

blockchain is an example of an alternative to tritional systems. Although regulation still holds this alternative, understanding future requires understanding habits and behaviours that people are willing to change and to use different tools and standards (even potentially). In light of fact that people are willing to use AI tools and want to conduct financial transactions through alternative financial systems such as blockchain, businesses should begin preparing now for se changes.

As automation continues to vance, re are concerns about job displacement. How can businesses balance benefits of automation while also dressing potential societal challenges?

It has always been assumed that more educated people will be harder to replace by technology. AI has changed this parigm. threat of technology is greater to educated people in senior positions than to young non-educated people. Imagine a world where artificial intelligence manages processes within organizations rar than people. Imagine a world in which most wanted employees are those who are ept with AI tools and can choose right tool - this would give vantage to people who are quick learners and with aptable skills, likely young people. This change may have long-term effects on social mobility.

global marketplace is becoming increasingly interconnected. How can businesses effectively navigate challenges and opportunities presented by international markets and cross-cultural communication?

In a recent McKinsey report, AI will have a significant impact on all industries around world, but especially on banking, high tech, and life sciences industries. In retail and consumer packaged goods, McKinsey estimates a $400-$660 billion impact annually.

Having said that, projections can be changed since we are inventing new things every day. refore, I believe best approach is to keep your eye on ball, and be aware of new developments in your field.

Artificial intelligence will be everywhere, even in human rapy. Being more human is one of our greatest vantages as humans. During se times of alienation, compassion and human tenderness are in great demand.

AI has potential to greatly enhance productivity and efficiency. What are some specific ways in which Indian businesses can leverage AI to achieve se benefits?

While AI offers numerous opportunities, re are concerns about job displacement. How

Do you see workforce dynamics changing in India with option of AI, and what can businesses do to mitigate se challenges?

In your opinion, what are key challenges that businesses might face in opting and implementing AI, and how can y overcome m?

Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, one of leing global institutions, has me a good example of implementing change. y recently renamed Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Management to: "Faculty of Data and Decision Making." This example illustrates well what human vantage will be in coming years.

re is an important question to ask about human values. We should all ask ourselves, what professional value do I have when world's smartest assistant is available to all? It is uncertain wher value is tritional value that we know and love. Artificial intelligence is now a decision support tool, even for people with a lot of knowledge, like doctors, lecturers, engineers, and lawyers.  Over time, it will become perfected and decide for itself. It will n be necessary to redefine human value.

People are alrey learning to operate tools independently rar than waiting for official training programs of organizations.  This means that even HR departments must rethink ir goals.

As I always say, it's all about a new mindset and a new set of skills. mindset we are talking about is geared towards staying relevant in a world whose standards are constantly changing. It means thinking differently about reality, about myself in a world that is fully automated.  Businesses have to think differently in terms of business models, products, and management processes.

How do you see AI impacting entrepreneurial ecosystem, and what opportunities does it present for aspiring entrepreneurs?

It wasn't that long ago when I me an interesting prediction: " Future of Pieces". prediction referred to a trend in which products and services are broken down into small pieces. A good example is story on Instagram, or a short e-learning lesson.  Artificial intelligence has extended this trend to workplace. A phenomenon called “overemployment” has been occurring in recent months. Using artificial intelligence, an 8-hour job can be completed in four hours - 100% job has been cut into pieces, and done remotely.

As a result, people can work two or three jobs for different employers at same time. In dition to creating opportunities for employers by recruiting professionals in different models, it also creates opportunities for future solutions. Apart from AI, which is most significant subject related to future of business, what or major influences you think entrepreneurs have to be aware of while planning ir future growth?

Currently, I believe re are two main drivers pushing humans. Although y seem to be opposites, y are related. Firstly, automatic processes fueled by technology make us more passive and willing to do or work less. ditionally, I believe that activism is getting stronger in recent years. People are asking mselves how y want to improve ir lives, and this trend crosses fields: it's not just about sustainability or social issues, but how do I want to work? How do I choose organisation where I want to work? Does my organisation contribute to world in a positive way? As well as how I can influence future of my country for better. A business prospect can be generated in se two areas.