Executives from 41 countries gathered in Málaga, Spain, recently to discuss the latest innovations in tech and how best to use generative AI.
DES2024 attracted leading thinkers such as Zondwa Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela; Wendy Hall, world-renowned computer scientist, and Linghan Zhang, member of the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence.
This eighth iteration of DES (Digital Enterprise Show) attracted 17,157 attendees from 41 countries. Over a three-day duration, DES2024 tackled the subject of how new digital innovations will affect business. From artificial intelligence and blockchain to data analytics and cybersecurity, DES held a deep analysis of how technology will continue to shape the world of business.
Europe’s largest summit on fast-growing technologies, DES brought together 592 experts across all industries to analyse the disruption generative AI will bring to the economy. The discussion dealt with human issues as well as corporate ones.
Most discussion was framed around ethics and sessions were led by Carme Artigas, co-chair of the United Nations High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, under the slogan #AI4Humanity by UN.
The dialogue wasn’t just a succession of dire warnings; airtime was also given to the major advances AI will bring to sectors like health and culture.
Rhett Power, Forbes columnist and leadership development specialist, argued: "The future depends on how we adapt as leaders, not how we adopt technology." He made a case for proactive executives and data-driven organisations as a means of controlling the risks of AI.
The summit left its mark on the city as well as the field of digital innovation. €34m was injected into the local economy, with hotels filled to 98% capacity.
Sandra Infante, director of DES, commented: "DES continues to build an environment in which managers from all over the world can find knowledge and success stories: from the most operational part, to manufacturing or service development, or even marketing strategies. And doing it in Malaga is a clear opportunity, as the city's current potential as an epicentre of technological innovation in Europe helps the event to progress hand in hand with its host venue.”
Some of the major firms brought together by DES included IBM, Oracle, Nvidia, Santander, eBay, T-Systems and NP Digital.
