Futurists talk AI at the Liger Academy
During an event last night at the Liger Leadership Academy, technology experts Ben Reid and Sam Ragnarrson, joined by students Nyah Swiety-Santos and Alex Gile, explored the impact of rapid technological advancements on New Zealand's future.
Coinciding with the launch of Reid’s book 'Fast Forward Aotearoa', the session placed a spotlight on AI and other emerging technologies as pivotal forces shaping societal and economic landscapes.
Ben Reid spoke about the unprecedented pace at which technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is evolving. "AI is advancing at an exponential rate," Reid noted, emphasizing its transformative potential across various sectors by driving innovation and efficiency.
Sam Ragnarrson discussed AI’s role in the creative process, demonstrating how it can generate complex visuals that depict possible futures. "AI enables us to visualize the future, making it easier to make informed decisions today," Ragnarrson mentioned, highlighting AI's capacity to inspire societal change by offering visions of both promising and cautionary futures.
The conversation also tackled the challenges arising from the swift development of AI, especially in the context of the global "poly crisis" involving environmental, social, and geopolitical issues. The speakers unanimously advocated for the strategic use of AI and technology to navigate these challenges. Reid underscored the urgency of leveraging AI for creative solutions to these pressing global concerns.
The event addressed New Zealand's position in the global tech innovation landscape, primarily dominated by the U.S. west coast. Reid discussed the dual challenge and opportunity this presents for New Zealand: "As a smaller country, we're tasked with finding a balance between adopting global technological advancements and fostering our local tech ecosystem." This balance is crucial for New Zealand to effectively use AI in addressing its specific challenges.
Ragnarrson pointed out AI's potential to enhance key New Zealand sectors like tourism and agriculture through innovative solutions. He envisioned AI aiding in the development of sustainable farming practices and unique tourist experiences, tailored to New Zealand's distinct environmental and cultural context.
The need for New Zealand to thoughtfully engage with the rapid pace of AI development was a central theme of last night's discussion. "Our approach to technology today will shape New Zealand's future," Reid concluded, stressing the importance of an ethical and intentional approach to technology adoption.
Last night’s discussion underscored the opportunities and challenges presented by the fast advancement of AI, emphasizing the necessity for strategic, informed, and ethical engagement with technology. As New Zealand contends with a rapidly changing tech landscape, the insights from Reid and Ragnarrson offer valuable guidance for leveraging AI to forge a sustainable and prosperous future for the country.
* This article was written by ChatGPT (with some inexperienced prompting from reporter Paul Taylor)
