AI’s Human-Centric Future: CI&T's CogX Insights

Sep 02, 2024 | min read

Fernando Henrique Silva

Earlier this month, CI&T joined the CogX Leadership Summit—Europe’s leading Summit focused on Impact AI and Transformational Tech—at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. The conference showcased a range of discussions and predictions on the diverse applications of AI, from automation and optimization to predictive analytics and personalised recommendations.
During the Summit, we premiered Box1824’s short film, GenGen — a must-watch for anyone interested in hearing more about how the Generative AI revolution is shaping our next generation. Following the screening, our EVP & Partner, Solange Sobral, joined Box 1824’s CEO, Paula Englert, for a panel discussion.

Moderated by Brunswick Group’s Partner Caroline Daniel, their conversation resonated with the conference theme: "How to Seize the AI Opportunity?"—a goal that aligns seamlessly with CI&T’s mission to drive meaningful transformation through technology.

Here are some of my key takeaways:

1. The Human Element of AI: An Essential Focus

In their panel, titled "Implementing GenAI: Building a Human-Centric Future," Solange and Paula examined the impact of Generative AI on human behaviour. They connected three crucial elements: Technology, Humanity, and Business. Their conversation explored how companies can develop AI solutions that prioritise human needs, and noteworthy use cases from other select brands, including Booking.com.

They also addressed pressing topics leaders must consider when implementing Generative AI tools. In discussing the importance of balancing efficiency and job displacement, Solange emphasised that organisations must prioritise people by aligning team KPIs and fostering a safe space for learning and experimentation with new technology.

Solange shared CI&T’s first-hand experience developing and deploying our enterprise-ready AI platform, CI&T FLOW, within our organisation and for our clients. One of the audience’s favourite analogies came from Paula: “Before you accelerate, make sure you trust your brakes.”

2. Elevating Customer Experience

The Summit highlighted the imperative for businesses to invest in customer-centric strategies. According to PwC, one in three customers will abandon a beloved brand after just one negative experience. By delivering exceptional interactions, organisations can cultivate loyalty and differentiate themselves in a competitive landscape.

A significant focus was placed on the advancements in chatbot technology, particularly next-generation models that facilitate personalised, sophisticated interactions. This is timely, considering the global chatbot market is projected to reach £32 billion by 2025 (Juniper Research).

3. Upskilling for Tomorrow's Workforce

The urgency of upskilling was a recurring theme, too, underscored by the insights from Solange and Paula, who shared that at CI&T, over 50% of employees are trained on Generative AI using our platform. By equipping employees with new skills, organisations can foster a more agile and innovative culture, which is essential for thriving in the age of AI. Our VP of Technology EMEA, Mark Rodseth, wrote an article highlighting how leaders can successfully introduce AI training programmes company-wide.

4. Mastering Data Management

Discussions also emphasised the necessity for robust frameworks and clear KPIs to extract actionable insights and facilitate informed decision-making. Gartner reports that 75% of organisations struggle with data quality and consistency. Effective data management is crucial for unlocking the full potential of AI initiatives.

5. Cybersecurity: A New Paradigm

The Summit addressed the need for a holistic cybersecurity approach, focusing on hardware and software vulnerabilities. With the average data breach cost reaching £3.8 million (IBM), cybersecurity has evolved into a critical concern in today's geopolitical landscape. Solange recently penned an article on this topic, exploring Generative AI’s dual-edged sword: while it presents numerous opportunities, it also empowers cybercriminals with new tools. She offers valuable insights into building a Generative AI-powered security strategy.

6. The Rise of Compact Models

Finally, the discussions emphasised the efficiency and performance benefits of compact models, which are smaller, more resource-efficient AI models. These models are particularly well-suited for edge devices. A McKinsey report forecasts that compact models will account for 20% of the AI market by 2025. Their versatility makes them indispensable tools in a wide range of applications.