Smart Talks with IBM: AI & the Productivity Paradox
Digest
Malcolm Gladwell sits down with Rob Thomas, IBM's Senior Vice President of Software and Chief Commercial Officer, to discuss the evolution of AI and its impact on business and society. They explore the concept of "AI years," highlighting the rapid pace of AI development and the need for companies to adapt quickly. Thomas emphasizes the importance of open source models in fostering innovation and transparency, and he shares examples of how IBM is using AI to solve problems in various industries, from sports to shipping. They also discuss the "Productivity Paradox," arguing that AI, despite fears of job displacement, is essential for driving economic growth and improving productivity. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the challenges of writing a timeless book about AI in a rapidly evolving field.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the new season of Smart Talks with IBM, focusing on artificial intelligence and the concept of Open. The hosts, Malcolm Gladwell and Rob Thomas, are excited to explore the possibilities, implications, and misconceptions surrounding AI.
Rob Thomas's Journey at IBM
This Chapter delves into Rob Thomas's 25-year journey at IBM, highlighting his early experiences as a consultant and the evolution of his understanding of AI. Thomas emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and risk-taking in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
AI in Sports and Talent Assessment
This Chapter explores IBM's collaboration with Sevilla Football Club, showcasing how AI is being used to assess talent and gain a competitive edge in professional sports. Thomas discusses the use of both quantitative and qualitative data in talent evaluation and the importance of transparency in AI decision-making.
AI in Shipping and Logistics
This Chapter examines IBM's work with a shipping line on the Mississippi River, demonstrating how AI can be used to streamline paperwork and improve efficiency in the logistics industry. Thomas highlights the potential for AI to automate repetitive tasks and reduce inefficiencies.
AI's Unforeseen Applications
This Chapter explores the surprising ways AI is being used in unexpected industries, such as hair salons. Thomas argues that AI has the potential to touch every business, regardless of size, and emphasizes the need for companies to embrace its transformative power.
AI in Education
This Chapter discusses the potential for AI in education, highlighting the challenges of implementing new technology in a traditional setting. Thomas emphasizes the importance of a "will" to embrace change and the need for universities to adapt to the evolving technological landscape.
The Concept of AI Years
This Chapter introduces the concept of "AI years," which describes the rapid pace of AI development. Thomas illustrates this concept with an example of a client using an outdated AI model, highlighting the need for constant learning and adaptation in the field.
Keywords
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence (AI) is the simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems. These processes include learning (the acquisition of information and rules for using the information), reasoning (using rules to reach approximate or definite conclusions), and self-correction. AI research has been highly successful in developing effective techniques for solving a wide range of problems, from game playing to medical diagnosis.
Open Source
Open source refers to software whose source code is made available to the public for use, modification, and distribution. This allows for collaborative development, transparency, and innovation. Open source software is often used in various applications, including operating systems, web browsers, and programming languages.
Productivity Paradox
The Productivity Paradox refers to the observation that despite significant investments in technology, productivity growth has been relatively slow in recent decades. This paradox suggests that the benefits of technology may not be fully realized due to factors such as organizational inertia, resistance to change, and the time it takes for new technologies to be fully integrated into the economy.
IBM
IBM (International Business Machines Corporation) is a multinational technology company that provides hardware, software, cloud computing, and consulting services. It is one of the world's largest technology companies and has a long history of innovation in computing and artificial intelligence.
Malcolm Gladwell
Malcolm Gladwell is a Canadian journalist, author, and public speaker. He is known for his best-selling books, including "Outliers," "The Tipping Point," and "Talking to Strangers." Gladwell's work often explores the psychology of human behavior and the social dynamics of success.
Sevilla Football Club
Sevilla Football Club, also known as Sevilla FC, is a professional football club based in Seville, Spain. It is one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football, having won multiple La Liga titles, Copa del Rey trophies, and UEFA Europa League titles.
Watson X
Watson X is a suite of AI and data services offered by IBM. It provides tools for building, deploying, and managing AI models, as well as for accessing and analyzing data. Watson X is used by businesses across various industries to improve decision-making, automate tasks, and gain insights from data.
Moore's Law
Moore's Law is an observation made by Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel, that the number of transistors on a microchip doubles approximately every two years. This law has been a driving force in the exponential growth of computing power and has led to significant advancements in technology.
Sport Clips
Sport Clips is a franchise of hair salons that specializes in men's and boys' haircuts. The salons are known for their sports-themed atmosphere, with televisions playing sports games and a focus on providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for customers.
Q&A
What is the concept of "AI years" and how does it relate to the rapid pace of AI development?
AI years refer to the idea that the pace of AI development is so rapid that what used to take a year to achieve now takes only a week. This is due to the constant training and improvement of AI models, fueled by increasing amounts of data and advancements in computing power.
Why is open source important for the development and adoption of AI?
Open source models allow for collaborative development, transparency, and innovation in AI. By making the code freely available, open source fosters a wider range of contributors and ensures that AI technology is not controlled by a small number of companies, preventing potential monopolies and ensuring wider access to its benefits.
What are some examples of how IBM is using AI to solve problems in different industries?
IBM is using AI to assess talent in sports, streamline paperwork in shipping, and automate recruiting processes in hair salons. These examples demonstrate the wide range of applications for AI and its potential to improve efficiency and productivity across various industries.
What is the "Productivity Paradox" and how does AI relate to it?
The Productivity Paradox refers to the observation that despite significant investments in technology, productivity growth has been relatively slow. AI, however, has the potential to address this paradox by automating tasks, improving decision-making, and driving innovation, leading to increased productivity and economic growth.
What are some of the challenges in adopting AI technology, and how can these challenges be overcome?
Challenges to AI adoption include resistance to change, concerns about job security, and organizational inertia. Overcoming these challenges requires a willingness to embrace new technologies, invest in training and development, and create a culture of innovation and adaptation.
What are some of the key takeaways from Malcolm Gladwell's conversation with Rob Thomas?
Key takeaways include the importance of open source models for AI development, the transformative potential of AI across various industries, the need for companies to adapt quickly to the rapid pace of AI development, and the potential for AI to drive economic growth and improve productivity.
What are some of the concerns about the future of AI, and how does Rob Thomas address these concerns?
Concerns about AI include job displacement and the potential for misuse. Rob Thomas addresses these concerns by emphasizing the importance of open source models, which promote transparency and collaboration, and by highlighting the potential for AI to create new jobs and improve the quality of life.
How does Rob Thomas view the future of AI, and what are his hopes for its impact on society?
Rob Thomas paints an optimistic view of the future of AI, believing that it will continue to improve at an exponential rate, leading to increased productivity, new job opportunities, and a better quality of life for everyone.
Show Notes
In a rapidly evolving world, we need to balance the fear surrounding AI and its role in the workplace with its potential to drive productivity growth. In this special live episode of Smart Talks with IBM, Malcolm Gladwell is joined onstage by Rob Thomas, senior vice president of software and chief commercial officer at IBM, during NY Tech Week. They discuss “the productivity paradox,” the importance of open-source AI, and a future where AI will touch every industry.
This is a paid advertisement from IBM. The conversations on this podcast don't necessarily represent IBM's positions, strategies or opinions.
Visit us at ibm.com/smarttalks
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Table of contents
United States
