Reflecting on the recent CES and looking forward to MWC, I’ve noticed a clear trend: AI is now a dominant force in the technology sector. At CES, AI’s presence was unmistakable, with every tech player, big and small, focusing on it. Some may see it as a marketing tool, but for many, it’s a substantial shift. AI’s impact will be as significant as the internet and the cloud, touching every aspect of our lives.

This rapid evolution is striking. In 2023, business leaders were primarily learning about AI. In 2024, we expect to see a shift from education to execution, particularly with GenAI, accelerating the pace of technological adoption.

AI’s implications are vast, affecting every business in every industry. Accenture’s “Pulse of Change: 2024 Index” highlights this, showing that about half of C-suite executives feel unprepared for the upcoming changes. Adopting GenAI isn’t just a technical decision; it represents a commitment to transformative change across entire organizations.

During CES, and in discussions with leaders heading to Davos and MWC, the focus wasn’t just on AI itself, but on the broader implications and what business leaders expect from technology companies. There’s a recognition that while AI offers immense opportunities, it also demands significant changes – in digital infrastructure, networking, and talent.

These changes won’t be incremental; they’ll be comprehensive, requiring factual insights to transition from current practices to future business models. Budget constraints will make this challenging, but it’s also an opportunity for strategic partnerships, much like the recent collaboration between Microsoft Azure and Vodafone’s IoT business unit.

AI’s influence will necessitate change, not just in terms of technology offerings, but in how we view our collective role in this evolution. Sustainability in this change is key. It’s not just about technological advancement; it’s about building trust, foresight, and partnerships that can endure and navigate the breadth of change AI brings.

This is a call to action for tech companies to understand that their clients are seeking more than just products; they need reliable partners to guide them sustainably through the AI revolution. Talent and employees are central to this, underscoring the importance of human factors in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.