Luxinnovation was present at the Web Summit 2024. Here are the key trends that were highlighted during the event.
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Marine Mombelli
Attending the Web Summit is always an incredible experience. Imagine a crowd of more than 70,000 people, thousands of start-ups and investors from all over the world and from all walks of life for a week dedicated to technology, innovation and ideas. The energy was more than palpable!
Even without a central theme, one word was everywhere: AI. It was on everyone's lips, and there was no escaping it! The speakers talked about it non-stop, whether it was new tools, ethical challenges or the impact it could have on our future. In the words of Paddy Cosgrave, co-founder of the Web Summit: “This year, the Web Summit has become one of the biggest gatherings on artificial intelligence.” And indeed, AI has taken centre stage.
But beyond this digital revolution, other interesting ideas emerged, particularly around innovation and how SMEs can propel themselves into the future by integrating technology into their processes.
Innovation was of course at the heart of discussions at Web Summit 2024, with a key message that resonated throughout the event: innovation doesn't always require a revolutionary idea. Sometimes it's simply a question of improving what already exists to offer better solutions. So innovation is not just about technological gadgets, but must above all serve social and environmental causes. In fact, this year there were few ‘futuristic gadgets’ on show, but rather web or software solutions.
Innovation was clearly presented as a driver of transformation, not only for large companies, but also for SMEs, which can take advantage of these technologies to modernise and remain competitive in a constantly evolving digital environment.
In one sentence, the main message of this edition of the Web Summit would be: artificial intelligence does not replace human ideas, it amplifies them. But there can be no AI without thoughtful and responsible human intervention.
As Gemma Galdon-Clavell, Founder and Director of Eticas.ai, pointed out: “It is both a human and scientific achievement to have been able to design such complex data systems. However, the most successful systems will be those that are able to combine the power of AI with constant vigilance when it comes to ethics.” This vision highlights the fact that technological innovation must always be guided by an unwavering respect for human and ethical values.
And for SMEs, the message is also clear: innovation coupled with the most advanced technologies is essential if we are to remain competitive in a rapidly changing world. The future is here, and it is and will be technological and collaborative.
The major challenge now? Using these technologies wisely to solve the challenges of tomorrow.
The inspirational thought shared by Pharrell Williams, one of the star guests at this 2024 edition, sums it all up: "The real dream is to spend as much time as possible doing what you love." That's what it's all about: harnessing technology to serve our passions and aspirations, for a positive and lasting impact.
