We believe in the power of dialogue, sharing insights, and learning from others, which is why we regularly attend key events and industry forums focused on the transformative power of digital technology. As all transformations require entrepreneurial and transformational impetus to be successful, we attend leading start-up events alongside the major industry conferences. Here are our findings, which we have recorded for you:

Use Cases for Business Impact 

Use cases are the ultimate currency of every successful digital transformation program. They combine various technological enablers and data pools and translate these enablers into business impact – in the best case at scale. They also inspire others, lead to replication of best and next practices, and help to drive broad adoption.

• DeepL, is an Artificial Intelligence unicorn from Cologne/ Germany, which mission is to break language barriers. By enhancing human capabilities with Large Language Models, DeepL exemplifies AI’s potential for augmentation beyond the often overfocuses automation. DeepL’s most used functionality is actually the back-and-forth translation to improve text, which most probably many of you are using. Based on this usage pattern, they developed ‘DeepL Write’ as their newest service, which allows users to write more effectively by providing various options, reflecting how AI can support rather than replace human skills.
• Telefónica, which is one of the largest telecom provider worldwide,  is redefining the industry’s traditional proprietary telco model with the help of its Open Gateway initiative. By offering standardized APIs, Telefónica fosters an open network ecosystem that enhances connectivity, automation, and customer engagement. Their strategic partnership with Nokia further boosts industries like manufacturing through the implementation of private networks. Additionally, Telefónica’s integration of data analytics and AI is transforming it from a traditional telecom company into a comprehensive digital services provider.
• Mercedes AMG Petronas F1, under the leadership of CEO Toto Wolff, strives to be at the forefront of digital innovation in formula one motorsport. Wolff is championing the use of digital tools that enable engineers in the UK to remotely access real-time race data and make informed decisions without being at the track. The use of augmented reality improves data visualization and therefore strategy and communication. The resulting reduction in travel has cut the team’s travel expenses by 40% and emissions by 90%, which supports the team’s sustainability goals.

Data, AI, and Compute Foundation 

A strong Data, AI & Compute Foundation is essential for transformation. It enables streamlined processes, smarter decisions, and unlocks the full potential of data to drive efficiency and growth.  Such a foundation lays the groundwork for innovation, supporting digital strategies and future-proofing the organization.

• Europe’s Foundational Catch-up: Advances in Generative AI reduce content creation costs and enhance customer engagement by streamlining production and personalizing messaging. This enables organizations to reallocate human resources to strategic initiatives, improving productivity and driving growth while lowering operational costs. But when we look under the hood of use cases and focus the AI Foundation with [Large] Language Models as key element, we recognize that as of today 73% of the AI Models are developed in the US, 13% in China, and the remaining 14% stem from other regions.
• The Quantum Computing Step Change: Google recently presented its new quantum computer chip ‘Willow’. But it is not only since then that the prices of the corresponding shares have shot up. Quantum Computing is closer than we might think, and it is rapidly advancing in sectors like finance, healthcare, and logistics. In these industries, quantum models can be used for optimization, complex simulations, and data processing, with significant applications in drug discovery and supply chain optimization. The trend comes with a shift in business model as new offering capture the value in the form of Quantum Computing as a Service [QCaaS], e.g. quantum computing hardware service from AWS called ‘Braket’, which is offered on a pay-as-you-go basis.

People & Culture Foundation

The People & Culture Foundation is just as vital as the Data, AI & Compute Foundation, as it acts as the transmission belt for every digital transformation program across the organization. As digital technologies become an integral part of the value creation fabric of any organization, ethical and moral standards, value- and especially behavior-based cultures become pivotal for organizational success.

• Ethical Gaming: Supercell CEO Ilkka Paananen has highlighted the company’s ethical approach to gaming and AI, emphasizing moderation and encouraging healthy engagement over excessive gameplay. Their anti-cheating policies and partnership with the ‚Fair Play Alliance‘ reflect a strong commitment to fairness and player well-being. As AI evolves, Supercell continues to prioritize ethical frameworks, ensuring responsible gaming and fostering community trust. This commitment supports their goal of creating a positive and balanced gaming environment, while leveraging AI for sustainable growth.
• ‘Good’ Business Practices: Telefónica leverages AI to efficiently detect and prevent fraud, integrating platforms like Fraud.com to streamline operations and reduce costs. Their strong focus on data sovereignty ensures compliance with local regulations, fostering trust and safeguarding user privacy. This commitment to compliance, security, and innovation strengthens Telefónica’s position as a digital transformation leader.
• Trust-based Artificial Intelligence: DeepL has earned the trust of over 100,000 businesses by embedding AI into practical workflows. Its specialized language AI solutions ensure data security and GDPR compliance through advanced encryption. By adopting verticalized AI, DeepL enhances accuracy and mitigates risks like misinformation, positioning itself as a leader in AI-powered language services as demand for tailored and secure solutions grows.

Actionable Steps for CEOs:

• Focus on Use Cases: Use cases are the ultimate currency of every successful digital transformation program. A customer-centric approach, enhanced through digital tools, is vital for identifying and co-creating successful use cases. DeepL’s new Write Product is a good example, how user-centric design helps to prioritize user needs and experiences, ensuring that new tools exceed expectations and foster long-term loyalty.
• Creating an Edge through Technology: Transformation often involves clearing old technical debt and driving digital initiatives in parallel – in other words, fixing a train while you are driving it. Building a strong technology foundation that includes a smart combination of a single source of truth data foundation and an AI foundation with language models and machine learning capabilities. Finally, such a foundation should integrate a computational foundation as a strategic resource that utilizes high performance computing or quantum computing as a backbone.
• Build Success on Human & Cultural Basis: In the age of AI, the convergence of technology, ethics, and trust is shaping the future of business. Therefore, establish a robust framework for ethical decision-making in AI development and deployment, implement advanced data protection measures and comply with international privacy standards, ensure AI models are explainable and their decision-making processes are clear to stakeholders, train employees and leadership teams to prioritize ethics and accountability in all business operations. CEOs who prioritize moral and ethical integrity, data privacy, and responsible AI practices will build organizations that are not just profitable but also purpose-driven, resilient, and respected.
  

  / ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  • Dr. Carsten Linz is the CEO of bluegain. Formerly Group Digital Officer at BASF and Business Development Officer at SAP, he is known for building €100 million businesses and leading large-scale transformations affecting 60,000+ employees. He is represented on boards including Shareability’s Technology & Innovation Committee and Social Impact. A member of the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network, Dr. Linz is also a published author who shares his expertise as an educator in executive programs at top business schools.