At the World Economic Forum in Davos, AI expert Jack Hidary emphasized that adopting artificial intelligence is no longer optional for countries and companies—it is essential for future growth and competitiveness. He described this period as a crucial turning point, where organizations that fail to integrate AI risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving global economy. His message was clear: AI must be deeply embedded in national strategies and business models to remain relevant.
Hidary highlighted how AI is already transforming major industries such as healthcare and energy. He pointed to breakthroughs in areas like accelerated drug discovery and new materials development, where AI enables faster innovation than traditional methods. These advancements illustrate the competitive edge that AI can provide, and why companies that lag behind may struggle to keep pace.
He also discussed India’s potential role in the AI revolution, noting that the country’s large population, growing tech sector, and expanding education system position it well for AI-driven growth. However, he stressed that India must act quickly and strategically to fully realize this potential. The implication is that India’s long-term success will depend on how effectively it integrates AI across sectors and scales its talent and infrastructure.
Alongside opportunities, Hidary warned of new risks associated with widespread AI adoption, particularly in cybersecurity. As AI becomes more embedded in critical systems such as banking, telecommunications, and utilities, safeguarding these infrastructures becomes increasingly important. His remarks underscored that AI progress must be paired with strong security measures and thoughtful policy to ensure safe and sustainable development.
