AI is no longer a future concept. It’s here. And it’s evolving at an unprecedented speed. For business leaders, this presents both a massive opportunity and a significant challenge: how can AI transform operations, and how do we separate fact from fiction in this rapidly evolving landscape?
Argon & Co’s recent event “Navigating 2025: Innovation, Sustainability and Economic Growth” aimed to address some of those questions. As with any technological leap, AI’s future is hard to predict. At a global level, the technology could be transformational and become embedded in every aspect of our lives. Or it could plateau and adoption could slow. For every game changing advance, such as cloud computing, there is a disappointment like the “Internet of Things”. Instead of predictions, the discussion offered “intuitions” that consider where AI is capable of going.
Exponential growth that’s redefining possibilities:
AI is not just growing—it’s accelerating. What began as simple chatbots is now capable of generating human-like conversations, solving complex problems, and making autonomous decisions. ChatGPT-4 represents a 10,000-fold increase in computing power over ChatGPT-2, released in 2019, and we can expect a similar leap in the computing power of AI models before the end of the decade.
For businesses, this represents more than a tool; it’s the emergence of AI agents that will one day autonomously manage tasks, make strategic decisions, and solve problems like a human team member. The question is not whether this will happen—it’s when. If that sounds far-fetched, then consider if you believed that the first news reports in January 2020 about the emergence of a flu-like virus in China would result in global lockdowns and economic shutdowns.
A learning system, not just a knowledge repository:
The power of AI lies in its ability to learn—not just store information. AI models have access to vast amounts of data, enabling them to learn patterns, adapt, and predict outcomes. For example, a model might start by guessing that “the cat sat on the… mat,” but soon, it’s making highly accurate predictions across various domains.
What’s more intriguing for businesses is that this learning ability means AI is continually evolving. By 2050, some experts predict AI could rival or even surpass human cognitive abilities. The key takeaway for C-suite executives? The AI you invest in today is a small fraction of what it will become. Those that take early action in incorporating AI will gain a competitive edge.
AI’s capabilities: discovered, not designed:
Unlike traditional software that’s built for a specific purpose, AI’s power lies in its ability to discover solutions to problems it wasn’t explicitly programmed to solve. For example, when ChatGPT-4 was released, no one told it how to play chess, yet it can now hold its own against experienced players—and it’s improving.
This self-discovery process, while exciting, also introduces risks. AI can find vulnerabilities in systems and uncover information that wasn’t initially accessible. Therefore, while AI is a game-changer, it’s critical to implement safeguards and continually monitor its use.
AI will get political:
Nations are recognising the strategic importance of AI, governments around the world are restricting access to critical technologies. For instance, the U.S. CHIPS Act of 2022 sought to limit China’s access to advanced AI hardware to maintain its technological edge.
For businesses, this has direct implications. AI’s future will be shaped not only by innovation but also by political decisions. Navigating AI’s potential requires awareness of the geopolitical landscape, as access to AI technologies may become restricted or subject to political shifts.
What does this mean for businesses?
The rapid pace of AI development can feel overwhelming, but there’s no denying its business potential. The most successful companies will be those that embrace AI today, focusing on small, achievable projects that deliver tangible results. Hence, we believe that businesses must:
- Fix their data: AI thrives on high-quality data, so organisations must first clean, structure, and govern their data effectively.
- Develop internal AI capabilities: building an in-house team skilled in AI will ensure that companies remain agile and capable of harnessing AI’s evolving potential.
- Start small, scale fast: start by deploying AI in focused areas that can deliver quick wins, such as inventory optimisation or predictive maintenance. Use these initial successes as stepping stones to more complex applications.
By taking these steps, businesses will not only leverage AI’s current capabilities but will also position themselves to unlock its transformative potential in the future.
Author: Mohib Rahmani
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