In a recent discussion at the TIME100 Summit, business leaders from a variety of industries expressed their unanimous agreement on the unprecedented pace of AI’s development and its potential to bring about positive change. “This technology is incredibly transformative,” said Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings. “Anyone who compares it to the advent of the internet or the invention of electricity is understating its significance.
Fogel drew a parallel between the impact of AI and the discovery of fire, highlighting its transformative potential for our lives and industries. He believes that we are already experiencing aspects of this transformation without fully recognizing it.
Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, joined Fogel in the conversation, along with Lynn Martin, president of the New York Stock Exchange, and David Droga, CEO of Accenture Song. The discussion, moderated by TIME Executive Chairman and former editor in chief Edward Felsenthal, focused on the implications of AI for various industries.
Kickstarter implemented an AI policy early on, requiring users to disclose AI usage in their content creation. Taylor emphasized the importance of considering the human aspect amidst AI’s benefits, particularly for creatives. “We want to support AI, but we also need to ensure that we don’t lose sight of the value of human touch and creativity,” he said.
Martin, who has been enthusiastic about AI since her days as a coder, believes that one of its key benefits is enabling users to allocate their time more efficiently to higher-value tasks. She highlighted the exponential growth of data and the role of humans as data generators.
Contrary to the negative perceptions surrounding AI, Martin believes that it can empower humans to process vast amounts of data and engage in more meaningful activities. Droga echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for continued human innovation alongside AI.”Technology requires creativity to bring empathy, humanity, and ambition,” he said. “Conversely, creativity needs technology for scale, accountability, and pace.”
Taylor stressed the significance of equitable AI distribution and the potential for AI to benefit underserved communities. He called for initiatives that provide access to AI technology and education, ensuring that the benefits of AI are widely shared.
The TIME100 Summit brings together leaders from around the globe to share their insights and inspire action towards a better future. This year’s speakers represent a diverse range of fields, including politics, business, health, science, culture, and more.
