Postcard from Munich
This week, I had the pleasure of being invited by Kara Muttenzer and her brilliant team to talk about #GenAI in HR: Turning Strategy into Action in a rather chilly and grey Munich ☁️. Some brilliant speakers, including Jon Lester and Nickle LaMoreaux , shared insights into the technical innovation and challenges in IBM’s own story serving our 260,000 IBMers across 170 countries over the last 8 years.
The photo above is from my “fireside” 🔥 chat with the brilliant Jen Kirkwood talking about AI ethics . It was also great to hear how IBM has built a framework for discussing AI with works councils.
My favorite part of these events is the conversations with clients and guests afterwards. I love hearing your challenges and aspirations. I had some brilliant conversations about how different skills taxonomies could be unified with AI, discussing how digital assistants can create a unified experience for workers in retail, and how to practically start using AI ethically in HR. Thank you for the great conversations and for the tips on the best of the German beers to drink 🍻.
One thing I did hear was that many of you wanted further reading. I have tried to collate some of my favorite documents and blogs over the last couple of months.
Some useful links:
Firstly, the glossary in this document is amazing — really clear, crisp definitions of complex concepts. Phrases like “Retrieval augmented generation” are explained with real elegance.
As we mentioned IBM worked on two papers for WEF has been working on are Theme 1, “Safe Systems and Technologies,” and Theme 2, “Responsible Applications and Transformation.” Having read them both over the weekend (Yes, that’s really my idea of a great weekend), here is my take on them and the links.
Paper 1 — Presidio AI Framework: Towards Safe Generative AI Models
This paper explores the intricate ascent of generative AI, highlighting the delicate equilibrium between innovation, safety, and ethics. It presents a thorough framework cantered around an extended AI life cycle, resilient risk guardrails, and a shift-left approach for the early integration of safety measures. Emphasising the importance of collaboration among multiple stakeholders, the framework encourages shared responsibility and proactive risk management.
Paper 2 — Unlocking Value from Generative AI: Guidance for Responsible Transformation
This paper delves into the transformative impact of generative AI, stressing the necessity for leaders to embrace a use-case-oriented strategy in its implementation. It provides guidance for organisations to evaluate use cases, considering their business impact, operational readiness, and investment strategy. The paper emphasises the importance of balancing the benefits of generative AI against potential workforce implications and downstream effects.
I love this IBM guide “Every Day Ethics for Artificial Intelligence” that’s available here.
If your after a good background read on AI Ethics for HR I encourage you to buy “The Algorithm” by Hilke Schellmann . You can hear our discussion earlier this year on it here.
If you want to understand the timeline for the EU AI Act you can read my blog about it here.
Earlier this year I was delighted to provide some thoughts towards this IBM IBV study on Gen AI in HR. This is a great paper and important for anyone in HR to read, regardless of platform.
Generative #AI is already transforming how HR functions work. Yet, one significant opportunity remains unexplored: the role of HR as the primary champion of #genAI across the enterprise.
Developed in partnership with Oracle, our latest report explores how HR leaders can create a generative AI-empowered culture. We outline 10 ways HR can be strategic advisor to develop a people-centric model that best positions the enterprise for the future. Download the report and explore how HR can lead generative AI adoption across your organization: https://ibm.co/43gzs2I
If your after anything I mentioned in conversations that’s not in the above list send me a message or drop a comment and I will get back to you.
Thanks Munich it was a blast.
