Insights from the 28th Annual Economist Roundtable

Last week, we participated in the 28th Annual Economist Roundtable, a prestigious event organized by The Economist. The theme of the event was "Spiralling through the conflicts in search of opportunities", brought together a diverse group of thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss and explore innovative solutions amidst various global conflicts.

During the event, our esteemed Professor, Kostas Axarloglou, made a significant contribution by participating in a thought-provoking panel discussion titled "Reflecting on AI’s Limits". The discussion was meticulously divided into two insightful parts, each focusing on a distinct yet interconnected aspect of artificial intelligence.

In the first part, which centered on how AI is expected to affect human relationships, Professor Axarloglou offered a comprehensive viewpoint from the world of academia. He emphasized the transformative impact of AI on interpersonal dynamics, communication, and societal structures. Professor Axarloglou highlighted how AI technologies are reshaping the way individuals interact, fostering new forms of connection while also presenting unique challenges that need to be addressed thoughtfully. 

He also stated that, according to Aristotle's theory about friendship, Artificial Intelligence has positive effects on the first part of friendship, the useful part. There is something you can benefit from this relationship. How much it helps in the relationship for the good, especially with people who have passed away, is still uncertain. How much it helps us to continue to develop our relationship with digital immortality is also a consideration. It would be more pleasant if it helped us to maintain relationships not for the useful, but relationships for the good.


The second part of the discussion allowed Professor Axarloglou to tap into his vast expertise and focus on the business perspective, exploring AI's effects on society at large. He provided an analysis of the broader implications of AI across various industries, shedding light on the opportunities and challenges it presents for businesses. He underscored the importance of understanding AI's potential to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and create new market opportunities, while also acknowledging the ethical considerations and societal impacts that must be carefully managed. 

Our participation in this roundtable last week not only showcased our institution's thought leadership in the field of artificial intelligence but also reinforced our commitment to engaging in critical global conversations. By contributing to such a significant platform, we demonstrated our dedication to addressing the multifaceted impacts of AI and our eagerness to be at the forefront of this evolving dialogue.

We look forward to continuing our involvement in influential events like the Economist Roundtable and remaining an active participant in the ongoing discourse on AI and its far-reaching effects on both human relationships and the business landscape.