As winter settles over Davos, one might expect a chill in the air, yet this year has brought uncharacteristically mild temperatures, hovering in the mid-30s Fahrenheit (around 1°C). While the warm föhn wind sweeping across the Alps contributes to these unusual conditions, the atmosphere inside the World Economic Forum is charged with a different kind of heat: the palpable energy of global leaders and innovators congregating to discuss pressing issues in technology and beyond.
During the event, President Donald Trump delivered a lengthy address that spanned a wide range of topics, from the economy to healthcare, yet was riddled with inaccuracies. For instance, he claimed that China, despite its leadership in manufacturing wind turbine components, does not utilize wind energy itself—a statement countered by the fact that China is indeed a leading producer of wind energy. My attempt to witness this spectacle was thwarted by a crowd eager to engage with the speech, which underscored the intense interest generated by such high-profile figures.
In contrast to the political theatrics, I moderated a panel on the integration of artificial intelligence in the workplace, featuring diverse perspectives from industry leaders like Christoph Schweizer of BCG and Enrique Lores of HP. While discussing AI’s role as a co-worker, many panelists hesitated to use the term ‘agent,’ highlighting a nuanced view of human-AI collaboration. Manjul Shah from Hippocratic AI illustrated the practical applications of AI in healthcare, discussing how agents reached out to thousands during a health crisis, emphasizing the potential of AI to augment human effort. As attendees flocked to their devices, captivated by Trump’s address, the juxtaposition of serious discussions on technology and the spectacle of political figures created a surreal atmosphere. As we look ahead to more scheduled speeches, including that of Elon Musk, it is clear that Davos continues to be a stage for both intellectual discourse and elite posturing, as participants navigate the intricate social hierarchies that define this unique gathering.
Source: Dispatch from Davos: hot air, big egos and cold flexes via MIT Technology Review