I
t's becoming increasingly difficult to argue that any job will exist in five or 10 years without some artificial intelligence getting involved. At a recent Fortune Global Forum discussion sponsored by Novartis, panelists from various industries discussed how workers at all levels can prepare for the growing wave of automation.

    Krish Venkataraman, president of software firm Dataiku, emphasized that college education needs to evolve rapidly because students will have to interact with technology from day one in their jobs. He suggested that educators should focus on teaching students how to use AI effectively rather than fearing it.

    The panelists also discussed the importance of adapting to technological advancements and preparing for a future where AI plays a significant role. Victor Bulto, U.S. president at Novartis, highlighted the need for companies to invest in training their workforce to work with AI, citing his company's experience in developing cancer treatments using Radioligand Therapies.

    Jennifer Nuckles, CEO of R-Zero, emphasized the importance of data and insights in making decisions, particularly in commercial real estate. She noted that 60% of commercial real estate owners don't know what to do with their data, highlighting the need for education and training in this area.

    Krish Venkataraman discussed the shift from infrastructure investment to everyday business users being able to connect the dots between data and AI. He predicted that within six to 12 months, the value of generative AI will become apparent, enabling companies to advance medicine and logistics more efficiently.

    The panelists also touched on the topic of labor market challenges and how companies can address them. Jennifer Nuckles emphasized the importance of finding talent with deep expertise in specific areas, while Krish Venkataraman suggested that leaders should focus on giving everyday business users the intelligence they need to use AI effectively.

    Victor Bulto noted that his company has created a new function called Decision Sciences to help employees make better decisions using data and AI. He emphasized the importance of cultural change and training in adopting AI, citing the example of his company's field force of 3,000 sales reps who have adopted AI tools to improve their performance.

    The panelists also discussed the topic of data privacy and regulation. Jennifer Nuckles highlighted the need for companies to understand who owns the data, how it is accessed, and what regulations apply. Krish Venkataraman noted that modern AI tools can help companies navigate regulatory complexities by reading 10,000 pages of regulation and identifying areas where they can operate.

    Finally, the panelists looked into their crystal balls and predicted changes in their industries over the next year. Jennifer Nuckles forecasted a greater emphasis on local regulations and climate change mitigation. Charles van der Steene hoped that AI would be used to drive value and reduce carbon footprints globally. Krish Venkataraman predicted a shift towards democratization of AI, making it accessible to every user without fear. Victor Bulto envisioned a future where everyone works for a tech company, as technology becomes the core of all industries.