The latest: AI on top of mind for leaders
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Illustration: Trina Craven/Axios
Axios has multiple leaders and journalists circulating around Davos this year, having conversations with industry leaders on important topics. Check out what some of them are saying...
ProRata AI plans to pay creators despite era of AI "shoplifting content," founder says
User protection is at the center of AI development for two AI company leaders who spoke with Axios in Davos.
- Concerns about privacy and content ownership have fueled hesitations about AI for some potential users and many creators.
Read more and watch the full conversation, which was sponsored by Qualcomm.
AI agents can successfully advise executive leaders, Accenture CEO says
Companies are investing billions in AI applications to streamline operations, offer new tools, and avoid losing out on the AI hype cycle.
- AI's rapidly advancing capabilities will have different applications for different industries, and can be applied to advance executives' agendas, several industry leaders said at Davos.
Read more and watch the full conversation, which was sponsored by Lightspeed Venture Partners.
2025 is the year of AI agents, OpenAI CPO says
We are "just on the verge" of AI agents, OpenAI chief product officer Kevin Weil told Axios' Ina Fried on Jan.21.
- AI agents have gained traction in recent months as the next big thing in the workplace.
Read more and watch the full conversation, which was sponsored by Qualcomm.
All eyes on AI agents for business in 2025, leaders say
Businesses need to strategize their AI plans, particularly in developing a process for AI agents, Writer CEO and co-founder May Habib told Axios' Alison Snyder.
- Some companies may be lacking proper guidelines and missing competitive opportunities, as tech giants are pointing to AI agents as the next big thing in 2025.
Read more and watch the full conversation, which was sponsored by Cisco.
Companies can leverage AI for better internal communications and training
Corporate affairs leaders are using AI to better understand and communicate not only with the world, but also their own employees.
- Studies show AI can boost employee productivity. But, it can also provide an important feedback loop for businesses, said Coca-Cola Company EVP and global chief communications, sustainability & strategic partnerships officer Bea Perez.
Read more and watch the full conversation, which was sponsored by Salesforce.
AI plus upskilling could help solve labor shortages, leaders say
More companies are looking to AI to help curb labor shortages in multiple industries, leaders said in Davos.
- The manufacturing industry, for example, is "suffering from a shortage of labor," said Siemens AG managing board member, chief technology officer, and chief strategy officer Peter Koerte.
Read more and watch the full conversation, which was sponsored by Gecko Robotics.
Public-private partnerships "vital" to advancing decarbonization
While governments address climate-related policy goals, the private sector must move to achieve emissions reduction, several leaders said.
- Companies and governments are making some progress toward ambitious goals to reduce emissions by 2050 — but the latest UN climate report shows the world is falling short.
Read more and watch the full conversation, which was sponsored by United States Steel Corporation.
It's not a "foregone conclusion" that AI will outsmart humans, expert says
Implementing AI in a way that augments — not replaces — humanity's touch is top of mind for companies around the world.
- Many workers are nervous about the impact that AI may have on their jobs.
Read more and watch the full conversation, which was sponsored by Workday.
