Tech & AI LIVE London: Advancements & Ethics for Gen AI
In the closing panel at Tech & AI LIVE London moderated by Tim Curtis, panellists from leading technology companies explored the future of generative AI. Among them were Prerak Garg, Senior Director of Cloud and AI Strategy at Microsoft; Ebru Binboga, Director of Data, AI, and Automation at IBM UK; Kristie Grinnell, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at DXC Technology; and David Shepherd, Senior Vice President at Ivanti.
Prerak Garg kicks off the discussion by emphasising the potential of generative AI to move beyond its current role as an assistant or co-pilot towards more autonomous, end-to-end capabilities.
He references recent developments, like DevAny AI for software engineering, which can complete tasks with minimal human input.
“We’re headed towards more automation and agent capabilities,” Prerak states, predicting a future where AI could handle a greater share of routine tasks.
Operational efficiency and innovation
Kristie Grinnell provides insight into how generative AI is reshaping operations in enterprises. She identifies two key benefits: operational efficiency and innovation.
Kristie notes that AI is already integrated into many enterprise tools from major providers like Microsoft and AWS to streamline processes. This enables organisations to operate more efficiently and frees up human resources for higher-value tasks.
Kristie also highlights the potential for AI to accelerate research and development. She describes how AI can support tasks like coding and data analysis, enabling IT teams to focus on creativity and customisation rather than mundane tasks. “It’s about using generative AI to kickstart work, freeing up human mindshare for innovation,” she explains.
The rise of AI-first organisations
Ebru Binboga emphasises the shift towards an “AI-first” mentality among leading organisations. She observes that many companies still operate with AI as an afterthought, adding it to existing processes rather than building AI into their core strategies. Ebru predicts a shift from “AI-last” to “AI-first” models, where organisations prioritise training, culture change, and AI ethics from the outset.
She stresses that adopting an AI-first strategy requires organisations to prepare for cultural and operational changes. “Companies that train their people and embed AI responsibly will be the winners of the next era,” Ebru says, adding that this transformation will be accompanied by an increased focus on regulations and ethics to address growing concerns around trust and bias.
The importance of ethical guardrails
As discussions turned towards ethics, all panellists agreed on the importance of establishing ethical guidelines and “guardrails” for AI. David Shepherd highlights the risks of AI misuse, acknowledging that the rise of generative AI demands continuous vigilance around data accuracy and bias.
“We need to be aware, not worried,” he notes, explaining that the evolving landscape requires dynamic governance frameworks.
Ebru expands on this by sharing IBM’s commitment to transparency, revealing that the company has removed three-quarters of its training data due to concerns about hate and bias.
“You cannot have bad data in your models,” she states, stressing the need for data integrity in training AI systems. IBM uses tools like “Detector” to identify and eliminate harmful content from datasets.
Prerak adds that Microsoft enforces a “responsible AI” framework, ensuring that all AI models are fair, secure, and reliable. He describes the company’s approach to monitoring use cases and removing bad actors to prevent malicious applications like deepfakes. “We’re passionate about keeping AI safe and secure,” Prerak assures the audience.
Transformative use cases and industry impact
The panellists discuss transformative AI applications across industries, with healthcare emerging as a key sector. Prerak notes that generative AI is revolutionising healthcare by automating routine documentation, allowing physicians to focus on patient care. He shares that AI tools can now complete tasks like recording patient visits in seconds, improving work-life balance for doctors.
Kristie highlights that sectors like marketing are also leveraging generative AI to create faster, more personalised campaigns. She points out that advancements in video and image creation are enabling marketers to streamline brand campaigns while maintaining oversight.
Ebru provides further examples, including a project with NHS Trust England where AI helps reduce no-show appointments by 6%, freeing up capacity for an additional 700 patients weekly. She emphasises that the societal impact of AI goes beyond financial gains, improving public services and operational efficiency.
The future of generative AI and industry-wide adoption
Looking ahead, the panellists agree that generative AI will become increasingly integral to business operations, with more general-purpose models taking centre stage. Prerak predicts a shift from narrow, task-specific models to versatile, foundational models that can perform a range of activities.
“We’re moving towards a universe of models with both foundational intelligence and task-specific capabilities,” he explains.
Ebru adds that small language models (SLMs) will play a growing role in delivering precise and faster AI applications, allowing organisations to address specific needs efficiently. She highlights how AI solutions like IBM Watson X are already being used by NGOs and sports clubs to enhance digital experiences and streamline operations.
The panel underscored the rapid advancements and ethical considerations surrounding generative AI. As organisations move towards AI-first strategies, maintaining trust, transparency, and responsible use will be critical.
By establishing robust ethical frameworks and embracing new AI capabilities, businesses can harness the transformative potential of generative AI to drive efficiency and innovation across sectors.
Essential diary dates for 2024 and 2025
Discover the essential diary dates for Technology Magazine and its sister publications Mobile Magazine and Data Centre Magazine.
2024 dates:
- Tech & AI LIVE New York | 20 November
2025 dates
- Cloud & 5G LIVE | 4 February
- Tech & AI LIVE London | 14-15 May
- Tech & AI Awards | 14 May
- Tech & AI LIVE: Gen AI | 21 October
- Tech & AI LIVE New York | 18 November
- Data Centre LIVE | 2 December
Make sure you check out the latest edition of Technology Magazine and also sign up to our global conference series - Tech & AI LIVE
Technology Magazine is a BizClik brand