The Radical Transformation of Operations through Ernst & Young’s AI Platform
Several businesses have dedicated resources to enhance their unstructured and structured data reservoirs to facilitate the creation of AI solutions.
Several businesses have dedicated resources to enhance their unstructured and structured data reservoirs to facilitate the creation of AI solutions. So why are there fewer investments in data scientists? “Companies are giving priority to AI tools that can automate a significant portion of the data preparation and curation process. The role of data scientists will gradually shift towards overseeing these automated processes and ensuring the accuracy of the insights derived from the data, rather than manually analyzing or refining it. This transition also underscores the increasing significance of knowledge engineering compared to conventional data science positions. The focus is moving from manual data scrutiny to systems that can automatically refine, manage, and assess data on a large scale. As AI assumes more of these responsibilities, the demand for traditional data science roles diminishes. Instead, there is an emphasis on data architects, knowledge engineering — comprehending how to organize, regulate, and make use of knowledge to enhance the effectiveness of AI and guide AI developers.”
What are the primary emerging AI roles as the adoption of this technology continues? “We are witnessing a new wave of emerging AI roles, with a strong emphasis on governance, ethics, and strategic alignment. Roles like Chief AI Officers, AI governance leaders, knowledge engineers, and AI agent developers are becoming crucial to ensuring the reliability, transparency, and alignment of AI systems with business objectives and human necessities. Moreover, positions such as AI ethicists and compliance specialists are on the rise, particularly as governments move towards stricter AI regulations. These roles extend beyond technical expertise, necessitating a profound understanding of policy, ethics, and organizational tactics. As AI integration escalates, the demand for professionals capable of bridging the division between technology and human-focused outcomes will also increase.”
How will the adoption of artificial general intelligence (AGI) reshape the enterprise in the long term? “AGI will completely revolutionize the enterprise in ways that are challenging to envision today. Unlike current AI systems tailored for specific tasks, AGI will possess the capability to execute any intellectual function that a human can, fundamentally altering how businesses function. AGI has the potential to become a strategic collaborator in decision-making, innovation, and customer interaction, shifting the emphasis from task automation to genuine collaboration between humans and machines. The long-term outcomes will be significant; however, it is crucial for AGI to be developed and managed responsibly, with robust ethical guidelines in place to guarantee that it serves the broader welfare.”
Many individuals view the evolution of AGI as a potentially terrifying advancement. Do you believe AGI has a part to play in the enterprise, and can it be trusted or controlled? “While I acknowledge the apprehensions surrounding AGI, I believe that with proper safety protocols, it can bring about substantial positive transformations if developed responsibly. I am convinced that AGI will play a pivotal role in the enterprise, reshaping how companies achieve their objectives. This technology is motivated by goals and outcomes, rather than procedures. It will alter the foundation of processes within enterprises, marking a significant shift. Consequently, trust and control will be crucial components. Transparency, accountability, and stringent governance will be vital in ensuring that AGI systems are secure, ethical, and aligned with human principles. At EY, we wholeheartedly advocate for a human-centric approach to AI, a stance that will be even more vital with the emergence of AGI. We must guarantee that it is not solely about the technology but also how that technology benefits society, businesses, and individuals alike.”
How do you ensure that “human-centricity” is maintained in every AI implementation, especially when dealing with AGI in the future? “Upholding a human-centered approach, particularly in anticipation of AGI, is not merely a guiding principle but an absolute necessity. The EU AI Act represents the most advanced endeavor to establish the guidelines needed to control the potential impacts of this technology on a larger scale. At EY, we are swiftly adapting our corporate policies and ethical frameworks to ensure compliance and to lead by example in guiding our clients on the path of responsible AI.”
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