Big bucks, geopolitics, and nausea
Values, Data, and the Double-Edged Sword of AI
Ever since I graduated from my first Master’s degree in biophysics, I’ve been passionately interested in how to use data to understand more about business processes, optimise resource utilisation, automate tasks and processes, and, in general, do things differently, better, and in new ways.
At the same time, I have always been a fierce defender of personal privacy, fair and respectful treatment of all individuals independent of colour, gender, or ethnicity, and the right to live in a society that prioritises the individual’s right to a life in freedom and peace. Not the right to get rich in whichever way you want at the cost of others, but a society that protects the individual; a society that considers free education a wise and fair investment; and a society that provides free health services to all as a fundamental right. Democracies are not perfect, but I still believe in democracy as the only viable path.
To me, artificial intelligence, as we know it today, i.e. mathematical algorithms applied to large amounts of data, is the natural next step in digital transformation. There are so many problems on this planet for which we need to find better solutions, and AI is a toolbox that may be useful in this work. At the same time, AI also has the potential to wreak havoc and damage the freedom of the individual. It all depends on the underlying intentions and the data it is trained on. In this sense, AI is not neutral. On the contrary, AI models reflect the world as it was, as it is represented in the training data, and they operate within the context defined and enabled by those who deploy them.
Courage in an Age of Greed
Over the last few months, and in particular since Trump and his new Silicon Valley friends came to power in the White House, I have felt a growing, nauseating sense of fear. The greed and self-serving actions of some of the richest and most powerful people on this planet are beyond disturbing.
I don’t need you to agree with me. As an independent business owner, I may even lose business for stating my political views. My father was a POW survivor from WWII. He taught me that courage is not about not being afraid; it is about doing what you believe is right, even when you are afraid and your choices may come with a dire price tag.
I still believe businesses and societies have a lot to gain from applying advanced analytics to the data, digital assets, and digital processes of their operations. Sometimes this is about AI; in other cases, it’s about more conventional analytical approaches. Most of all, it has to be about realistic, value-creating, fair, and ethical use cases.
From a Norwegian and European perspective, regulation of digital technologies is, overall, a good thing. Sometimes these regulations are inconvenient and tedious; sometimes they need adjustments to work as intended; sometimes they are even partly a mistake. Still, regulations are in place to protect the fundamental values of our societies. That’s a good thing. Moving forward, Europe needs to carve out its own path and become as technologically independent as possible.
Digital Dependence
Digital sovereignty is a challenge, as most of us spend hours every day on American software applications. Our hardware is very likely produced in China. It’s easy to call for better financial conditions in the EU for both investors and tech companies. However, that’s not enough. As a leader, you need to look in the mirror and assess the impact of your own decisions and habits.
For European technology companies to grow, they need revenue. Revenue streams are created by paying customers, and you are one of those potential customers. When choosing between Chinese, American, and European providers, the sheer size, economies of scale, and track records of the Chinese or American options will often seem more attractive than the European alternatives. And so, you may end up choosing a non-European provider and leaving the responsibility of supporting European companies to “somebody else”.
The Mirror Test for European Leaders
To build a stronger European technology landscape, each and every one of us must contribute by choosing, deciding, and behaving differently. Ask yourself and your colleagues the following questions:
How willing are you to make a purchasing decision in favour of a European company over an American alternative? Why or why not?
What additional competence do you need in the boardroom to assess the less obvious alternatives wisely?
Strengthening European technological self-sufficiency will require courage and decisiveness from European business leaders. Are you ready to make those hard choices?
Let’s keep the conversation going!
If this made you pause to think about courage, responsibility, and the real choices we face as leaders, I invite you to continue the conversation.
🎧 Tune in to my latest podcast episode with Lasse Rindom, where we unpack the messy truth behind AI adoption, from the cost of being wrong to what kickboxing can teach us about strategy and resilience. (Link: Youtube | Apple Podcasts)
This article is part of my newsletter series Where Do We Go From Here? AI as the Natural Next Step in Digital Transformation. Want the rest delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe to my newsletter.
About the Author
Elin Hauge is a business and data strategist, pragmatic futurist, and eternal rebel. With a unique background spanning physics, mathematics, business, and law, she brings fresh and thought-provoking insights into artificial intelligence and other data-driven technologies. Her work connects today’s realities with tomorrow’s possibilities, focusing on demystifying AI, harnessing data power, managing algorithmic risk, and guiding leaders through digital transformation.