Artificial Intelligence (AI). It’s a term that’s been heard, discussed, and experienced more times than one can count. Many of us may find ourselves thinking, “Haven’t we heard enough of it? Isn’t it oversaturated?” Yet, every time this thought crosses my mind, I remind myself that what we know about AI is just the tip of the iceberg. The true depth of AI’s potential continues to evolve, and with each passing day, its transformative capabilities become more profound.

Whether we realize it or not, anyone with a smartphone is already interacting with AI. Every recommendation we receive for movies, courses, or products is a product of AI’s power, using the data we provide, whether consciously or unconsciously. It’s not just the big tech giants driving this revolution; it’s happening across industries, driving innovation, efficiency, and scalability. So, it’s time to buckle up—this journey has only just begun.

AI: The Engine of Tomorrow’s Organizations

AI is reshaping how we view and approach business challenges, opening up endless possibilities. Whether it’s through enhancing innovation, interpreting data in new ways, or driving efficiencies to expand consumer reach, AI is changing the game. The key is adopting this technology to become more efficient—both on the enterprise level and individually.

AI’s influence isn’t just theoretical; it’s being recognized on the global stage. In 2024, the Nobel Committee acknowledged the immense power of AI by awarding two of its prestigious prizes to advancements involving this transformative technology. One area seeing rapid expansion is Generative AI, which is quickly outpacing traditional AI as the dominant driver of business outcomes. According to IDC’s 2024 AI Opportunity study, Generative AI’s reach has grown significantly compared to the previous year, marking it as a game-changer in how we approach business solutions.
As both traditional AI and Generative AI continue to gain momentum, we will witness widespread adoption across industries, fundamentally changing the way organizations operate and how they meet their customers’ needs.

Haleon’s AI-Driven Innovation

At Haleon, AI plays a crucial role in staying ahead of the curve by enabling us to identify and address emerging consumer trends. Our commitment to innovation is backed by AI-driven decision intelligence, which helps us analyze scientific literature and consumer data to uncover trends in health and wellness. This allows us to explore new product ideas and build strong business cases for over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements.
AI empowers us to make data-driven decisions with efficiency, providing us with insights that keep us competitive. Beyond business strategies, we’re also using AI to enhance inclusivity. In collaboration with Microsoft, we’ve integrated AI into the Microsoft Seeing AI app. This app is a game-changer for people with visual impairments, narrating product labels and enabling users to scan the barcode of Haleon products like Sensodyne, Centrum, and Aquafresh to hear important details, such as the product name, ingredients, and usage instructions. This initiative is a testament to how AI can be harnessed to improve lives and make products more accessible to all.

The Path Forward: Skilling the Workforce

As AI becomes an integral part of our world, one of the greatest challenges organizations face is bridging the skills gap. While AI’s potential is immense, there is a clear gap between the demand for AI talent and the available workforce equipped with the necessary skills. To address this, we must first build a deeper understanding of AI’s potential and then invest in upskilling efforts. This approach will help accelerate AI adoption at a pace that aligns with its capabilities.

In India, the government has recognized this need for AI skill development. The Union Budget has allocated over INR 500 crores to boost the IndiaAI program, focusing on enhancing AI infrastructure and nurturing talent. Establishing centres of excellence in top educational institutions, offering relevant certifications, and collaborating with industry leaders will be essential steps to cultivating the next generation of AI professionals.

Ethical AI: A Pillar of Trust and Transparency

As we explore the vast possibilities of AI, we cannot overlook the ethical considerations that come with its use. AI is learning rapidly from the data we feed it, and this presents a growing need for responsible development. Trust and transparency will be the pillars on which AI’s future must rest, ensuring that this powerful technology serves humanity in ethical ways.

AI’s rapid growth brings with it the opportunity to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. When fully realized, AI could be a solution to combating carbon emissions, advancing space exploration, promoting better health, addressing food wastage, and supporting countless other emerging technologies. AI’s power is boundless—but its success will depend on our collective willingness to use it responsibly, share data transparently, and ensure the right intentions guide its use.

Also Read | AI-Powered Initiatives in India: Scaling Impact with ‘Jan Ki Baat’ and Open Cloud Compute

A Bright, AI-Driven Future
AI is not just a buzzword; it is the frontier of technological advancement that is shaping our future. As we stand on the precipice of this transformative era, it’s clear that the potential of AI is vast and awe-inspiring. For organizations, governments, and individuals alike, the focus must be on skilling up, adopting AI at the right pace, and ensuring ethical standards guide its development.

With the right foundations, AI will continue to break barriers and unlock new solutions, creating a more connected, efficient, and innovative world. The future is here, and AI will lead the way in turning our boldest visions into reality.

Views expressed by Raj Khemani, Head of Global Capability Center – India | Poland, Haleon

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