In recent months, more than ever, artificial intelligence (AI) has been generating debate and questions. And for good reason: in addition to disrupting different aspects of our life, it has prompted experts in the matter, including Yoshua Bengio, to warn the public and government of existential threats.
At the same time, AI is an inevitable path for growing our industries and maintaining their leadership at home and abroad. Where should businesses start in integrating AI into their strategies? A portrait.
The advantages of adopting AI in business
AI offers business undeniable advantages, which explains its why it is increasingly being used in a variety of sectors: aerospace, manufacturing, health, and construction, to name just a few.
In fact, leveraging AI creates opportunities to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency, optimize data-driven decision making, personalize the customer experience, reduce human error, identify new commercial opportunities, and more. Organizations that are taking the leap today will get a jump on the competition.
Montréal enjoys an enviable position as a global hub for artificial intelligence. An interdisciplinary ecosystem, quality research centres, and the many global leaders in AI that have made the city their home over the years explain this leadership position.
The AI ecosystem in Montréal is:
- Over 350,000 university students
- 227,000 workers in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and math
Businesses in the greater metropolitan area have an interest in creating ties with the fertile AI community and taking advantage of this unique dynamic to foster a balanced adoption of new practices.
The importance of defining a vision of the future for AI
The adoption of AI nonetheless comes with risks and ethical considerations: privacy protection, the possibility that technology produces inaccuracies, cybersecurity, and malicious use.
The risks of AI increase with the emergence and democratization of generative AI tools. Whether integrated to well-defined processes or used by office employees in their day-to-day tasks, businesses must take all necessary precautions and strive to better define a just, human vision of AI.
The need for a tailored regulatory framework comes up regularly in public debate on the issue. The Government of Canada is tackling this with Bill C-27, designed to establish a global framework to guide the development and use of AI in the country.
A balance between innovation and the adoption of just, ethical, inclusive AI must be found quickly. To carry through on this thinking and pave the way, different perspectives will be required. The local ecosystem is already mobilizing for solutions.
Participate in the discussion
On September 27 and 28, 2023, the Chamber, Scale AI, CEIMIA, and Mila are teaming up for the most important dedicated AI event in Canada: ALL IN.
ALL IN is a world-class event that will give participants the chance to learn from concrete use cases for AI in business, to explore the latest technological advances, to make connections with actors in the ecosystem, and to discuss ethical AI. The ecosystem of Canada is already in action, and this will be the opportunity for its members to come together and discuss the path toward responsible AI.
Be part of these important conversations by participating in ALL IN!
Click here for the program and to register.
This event is produced in collaboration with: Beslogic, CAE, CDPQ, FASKEN, Intact, Northguide, Pratt & Whitney Canada, Roche Canada, Snowflake et l’Université de Montréal. Discover all the event partners.