In June 2023, the international consulting firm Accenture announced an investment plan of US$3 billion aimed at expanding the practice of Data and Generative Artificial Intelligence. He said his goal is to offer new sector solutions and pre-built models for help generate value for companies belonging to 19 economic sectors.
As part of Accenture’s global network, the Argentine subsidiary received part of that investmentThe money, whose local amount was not disclosed, was translated into several initiatives. One was the creation of a team of 120 professionals focused on Generative Artificial Intelligence.
And another decision was open in the country the second interactive generative AI study in the region to facilitate the incorporation of this technology among companies operating in Argentina.
According to data provided by Accenture, 97% of companies surveyed worldwide recognizes the importance of incorporating generative artificial intelligence into its production processes. But Only 31% made investments significant and concrete in this field.
In an interview with Scopethe CEO of Accenture ArgentinaSofía Vago, listed some of the reasons that explain this behavior among companies. And she also detailed what impact generative artificial intelligence can have on the subject of Improving the efficiency and productivity of companies.
Journalist: Why does such a high percentage of companies recognize the importance of Generative Artificial Intelligence but few invest in this technology?
Sofia Vago: This phenomenon is part of a hellish acceleration process. Eighteen months ago the situation was completely different. And companies, while they identified this as a point to consider, perhaps they did not recognize it as something to be addressed quickly. Today we are in a situation where most companies understand that they have to do something. Maybe they flirt with pilot experiences but not with something more structural. And I think this is part of the change that is taking place. Technology is evolving so fast that what works today may not work tomorrow. This requires great resilience and great curiosity to be looking at and operating which is the best solution that applies to each case. It is not always the same recipe for everyone. Achieving a high level of customization is complex and requires developing this area of collaboration, with everyone sitting at the same table. The client, the industry, the technology provider, sociologists who can understand behaviors, creatives and technology professionals. It is a table where the views co-create a solution together.
Q: How can a company know if it can benefit from this new technology?
SV: Gen AI cuts across all sectors. Agriculture, mining, energy, manufacturing, mass consumption, industrial, etc. We all consume technology on a daily basis and there is always an efficiency. The applicability is endlessIt is a revolution like the Internet or connectivity revolution. Changes that defined a new way of operating, of training, of valuing talent, of taking risks. Generative artificial intelligence It’s a revolution for all industries.
Q: To what extent can it contribute to improving business productivity?
SV:: It’s something that everyone wants to achieve. And to offer the best practical example at Accenture we decided to apply this technology to ourselves. So we saw efficiency improvements that can be 40%, 70%, very, very large improvements in some areas. And it allowed us to redirect our talent to do tasks of real value. The result is not only improved efficiency. A multiplier effect is also generated that goes beyond. Human talent begins to multiply what we already have. We started in the areas of human resources, finance, and we began to apply it in the entire operational part. All of our collaborators were trained to understand AI and how they can apply it. Creativity emerges from any place in the organization. This technology also allows interaction for certain processes or actions to be much more oriented and focused on interests, styles, and more particular needs. There it becomes tangible. But using this technology comes with a trade off, which is to use it responsibly. It is something we work very hard on at our centers.
Q: And what does responsible use of generative artificial intelligence mean?
SV: Let it be a transparent technology, that is free of biasthat it is inclusive, that the impact on humans is understood. And to do so through a governance model that allows us to certify that it is being done responsibly and that it is trustworthy. Artificial intelligence can also have hallucinations and take as correct data something that is not. That is why it is important to be very responsible with the data that is used. And not to violate the confidentiality of personal information.
Q: What differentiates AI from Gen AI?
SV: Generative AI not only learns but can also create. A case of Artificial Intelligence, for example, could be asking Alexa to search for a certain song. And it does. But it cannot invent a song. On the other hand, Generative Artificial Intelligence can create music. The same thing happens with the application in a process in a company. It could alert or trigger a linear process. Now it takes a lot of other experiences and based on that provides an early view of a problem There may be or propose a solution that is different from everything known, that may or may not be valid. There will always be a need for a human to give it a critical look to see if it works or not. Everything at an unprecedented speed to do in minutes something that could previously take months. Gen AI is now passing through us and it is important to be one step ahead to solve the challenge and adapt as quickly as possible.
Q: What is Gen AI Studio that you launched today?
SV: Is a space that combines technology with professionals that cover various areas to work together and collaboratively with the ecosystem, which can be software providers, or one of our technology partners with whom we work, and also specific topics of the different sectors of the industries so that they have a space to co-create, to innovate, to test and act in a network. This Gen AI Studio He is number 25 in the worldThere are 24 that are already open, with the decision to invest heavily in this, more than 3,000 million dollars for the next three years to generate not only these spaces but also to innovate through the use of generative artificial intelligence. It is a meeting place where you can access the network, other experiences, other experts, always collaboratively, to unite and bring together to be able to provide solutions to business problems or strategies that you want to carry out. At a global level Argentina was chosen to open the second studio in Latin America, after Brazil.
Q: What do you value about Argentina to make that decision?
SV: Argentina has long been known for its quality talent. In addition, resilience, adaptability, and thinking outside the box are something that the world today requires and values. That was one of the factors that led Accenture to choose Argentina to open its second center in Latin America. It is a huge recognition to have achieved that Argentina was chosen to set up the studio.
Q: What role does the new study serve?
SV: The Gen AI Studio is the excuse to have a physical space, but It comes with a lot of technology to have at your disposal and use it based on the needs of our ecosystem, It is made up of other companies that bring their experience and we all contribute to the creation of something different. The profiles are diverse, not just in terms of technology. It has a lot to do with marketing, communication, creativity, specific knowledge of each industry. It is a great mix of diverse talents. Today we have more than 120 professionals who are specifically in the development of Gen AI in ArgentinaThe idea is to continue growing until reaching 200 professionals in the country.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
