Over the past year, the advent of generative AI has dismantled significant barriers, democratizing AI in a manner previously unseen. This democratization has transitioned AI from the exclusive domain of a select few—mainly scientists and specialists who have dedicated their careers to AI—into a tool accessible to a broader audience.

Now, for the first time, we are witnessing a moment where the potential of AI is not just theoretical or confined to AI scientists but is tangible and can be experienced by everyone. This accessibility is not merely a technical achievement; it represents a paradigm shift by breaking what has been the biggest bottleneck of AI innovation. Almost suddenly, AI has become something we all can relate to. Creativity in AI is no longer limited to engineers, but everyone can see how AI can be valuable in our lives, and start imagining futures with AI. That’s what I consider the biggest disruptive power of the generative AI.

In essence, an intelligent future is one where innovation is open, inclusive, and responsible. It’s a future where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to shaping how AI impacts our world, ensuring that these technologies enhance our lives in meaningful ways. This vision for an intelligent future is not just aspirational; it’s a call to action for all of us to engage actively in the creation of a future where AI serves us, respecting and enhancing our collective human experience.

Reflecting on the journey toward an intelligent future, numerous AI-based products are developed in isolation from the very people they’re targeted to or impact. This highlights a crucial need for developers to actively engage with users, seeking their input and genuinely considering their feedback. The more uncertainty and risks involved, the more critical it is for anyone involved in AI development to prioritize such engagement, which is not only recommended but essential. Regulatory bodies can play a supportive role by encouraging the establishment of governance structures that facilitate this interaction between technology creators, their deployers and the broader community. For instance, the AI Act is a policy designed to foster such engagement, particularly in workplaces where high-risk systems are deployed.

I find myself captivated by the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) from its roots in analytical intelligence to its current exploration within the creative realms. This journey underscores the significance of human-owned domains, such as emotional intelligence, craftsmanship, and steering the interactions between technology and the physical world. These are areas where the human touch remains irreplaceable and where we should concentrate our efforts to harness the full potential of AI while preserving our unique human qualities.
In contemplating the skills essential for this future, STEM knowledge and the ability to comprehend technology emerge as fundamental. We are, after all, the architects of these machines. However, the importance of critical thinking cannot be overstated as we engage with growingly capable systems and interact with AI-generated content soon more than we engage with human-created content. Observing my own children, I find myself thinking that the younger generation, having grown up in a world of no ground truths, might inherently possess a better preparedness for critical thinking, a skill vital for navigating the increasingly complex digital landscape.

The essence of my message revolves around the inherent uncertainty of what an intelligent future might look like. The critical task before us is not to predict it but to reimagine and create it collectively. This vision of the future emphasizes inclusivity and the importance of every individual’s contribution. The future of AI is not something that happens to us, but something we create. This starts by experimenting and exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance our everyday lives and work, leveraging each one’s unique perspectives, strengths, and professions.