AI Dominates Davos: Tech CEOs Discuss Enterprise Adoption and Future Trends

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, tech executives focus on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on enterprise adoption. The discussions highlight four key themes: enterprise AI, agentic AI, geopolitical implications, and physical AI.

Enterprise AI Adoption Gains Momentum

Businesses are moving beyond pilot projects to more selective and pragmatic AI implementations. Tencent's cloud group CEO, Dowson Tong, tells CNBC that companies are now being more specific about their AI needs. 'This year, when we talk to customers, I think they're being a lot more pragmatic. I think they've gone past the phase of FOMO,' Tong says.

Agentic AI: The Next Frontier

Agentic AI, which refers to AI systems capable of carrying out tasks on behalf of people, remains a buzzword. While some companies like Prosus, with 30,000 agents running, see it as a transformative force, others, like startup Domyn's CEO Uljan Sharka, believe full autonomy is still a ways off. 'I think these agents are not autonomous. I don't think we have reached the point where we can replace a human employee,' Sharka notes.

Geopolitical Implications and China's Role

The geopolitical landscape, particularly China's advancements in AI and chip technology, is a significant concern. EY's Raj Sharma highlights that geopolitical issues will either deter or accelerate AI development. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis adds that China's AI models are just months behind those in the U.S. and the West, emphasizing the need for global cooperation and competition.

Physical AI: The Next Wave

Physical AI, where AI takes on a tangible form such as robotics and driverless cars, is set to be a major trend. EY's Sharma predicts that the market for physical AI could be five to six times larger than agentic AI within the next five to six years. This shift is already evident, with robots becoming a common sight at events like Davos.

References

• I spent the week with tech CEOs. Here's what they're talking about