According to a report by Arthur D. Little presented during the event, only 13% of CEOs have adopted a comprehensive AI strategy at the organizational level.
By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL
EGADE Business School - Tecnológico de Monterrey invited business leaders to dialogue on the impact of artificial intelligence and the current economic context.
The event, held on September 18 at the Monterrey site, featured a dialogue on the main trends defining business growth, highlighting AI as a key driver.
The meeting included two discussion panels and the presentation of the report "CEO Insights 2024: Positive in an Uncertain World: Confident CEOs Reskill Companies for AI-Driven Growth" by the consulting firm Arthur D. Little, based on interviews with 282 CEOs of companies with revenues exceeding a billion dollars.
Horacio Arredondo, dean of EGADE Business School, stressed that the school seeks to be a space for discussing strategic issues that impact the future of business.
"At EGADE, we believe that business is a driving force in transforming realities, always in an innovative, ethical, and sustainable way," he said.
THE IMPACT OF AI ON MEXICAN INDUSTRIES
In the panel "The impact of AI on Mexican industries," Eva Guerra, academic associate dean of EGADE Business School, explained the relevance of AI for the future of Mexican companies.
"Understanding not only the potential of artificial intelligence but also how we can prepare to integrate it into all our operations strategically is essential. AI not only optimizes processes, but also redefines the future of business, and we need to make sure that our organizations are ready to adapt to this transformation," the scholar said.
Afterward, Ricardo Murcio, professor of Strategy and Leadership at EGADE Business School, pointed out the importance of talent reskilling.
"We must prepare our collaborators to understand and use AI as a powerful tool," said Murcio.
Paul Maya, general director of Atos Mexico, highlighted how artificial intelligence can complement and enhance human capabilities. "AI isn't going to replace jobs, but rather complement them, helping companies improve their efficiency and optimize critical processes," the executive explained.
Guillem Casahuga. The Telecom and Technology partner at Arthur D. Little emphasized how important it is for companies to think of new ways to market their AI-related capabilities.
"Artificial intelligence should not only be used to optimize internal processes but also to open up new business opportunities in other sectors," the consultant stated.
GROWTH PROSPECTS IN MEXICO
In addition, the panel "Growth Prospects in Mexico," moderated by Marc Palacios, LATAM partner at Arthur D. Little, addressed the country's economic potential.
Jesús Ibáñez, vice president of Operations at Grupo LEGO México, stressed the growth of the Monterrey plant and access to the North American market.
"We can see great potential in the region, not only in Mexico but also across Latin America," the VP said.
Claudia Jañez, CEO of ConMéxico, said that companies need to be more proactive in ensuring a safe environment for investment.
"Companies must be more vocal in order to ensure a safe, stable business environment," the executive warned.
Jerónimo E. García De Brahi, CEO of Grupo FOREM, mentioned that uncertainty could hinder key projects.
"The challenge is to transform opportunities into reality and eliminate the uncertainty that hinders development," said García, a professor at EGADE Business School.
POSITIVES IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD
During the presentation of the report "CEO Insights 2024", Rodolfo Guzmán, managing partner for LATAM at Arthur D. Little, emphasized that, although 96% of CEOs have implemented AI in one of the areas of their companies, just 13% have adopted a comprehensive strategy at the organizational level, showing that many companies are still in the process of transformation to fully understand and take advantage of the impact of AI.
He also revealed that 66% of CEOs worldwide are optimistic about economic growth over the next three to five years, three times last year's percentage.
According to the consultant, "Business leaders are optimistic about the future, driven by clear strategies, solid structures, and the reskilling of their workforces to make the most of artificial intelligence."
He also summarized the seven key points of the report to help CEOs achieve their growth goals in 2024, in particular the need to adapt to volatility, invest in people and capabilities, and extend AI beyond operational efficiency to generate new business opportunities.
He concluded that CEOs should also focus on fostering organizational ambidexterity, maintaining an ESG (environmental, social, and governance) approach, maximizing internal strategies, and being cautious with acquisitions.
With this event, EGADE Business School reaffirms its role as a key platform for discussing and analyzing strategic issues such as artificial intelligence, strengthening business leadership in Latin America, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge with global players.