Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping industries, from automation to decision-making processes. India, with its growing tech ecosystem, is making significant strides in AI adoption. Yet, challenges such as regulatory policies, ethical concerns, and workforce preparedness persist.
To gain a deeper understanding of AI’s impact and future trajectory, we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Ganesh Natarajan. With a distinguished career spanning leadership roles at companies like APTECH, Zensar, and Honeywell Automation India, Dr. Natarajan offers a unique perspective on leveraging AI for business transformation.
In this interview, he discusses how AI is changing traditional business models, the importance of government support, and the future of AI-driven innovation.
1 – To start, could you share your thoughts on the current state of AI in India and how it compares to – global trends?
A. AI has caught the imagination of entrepreneurs and corporate heads. Government investment in AI has to be accelerated if we have to move into the same league as the US and China.
2 – As AI continues to integrate into various sectors, how do you see it transforming traditional business models? What specific changes have you observed at Honeywell?
A. At Honeywell, Intelligent Automation is a key focus. In very vertical domain and functional area, AI has the potential to transform.
3 – While AI presents many opportunities, there are also challenges. In your experience, what are the biggest hurdles organizations face when adopting AI technologies?
A. Mindless deployment of AI can lead to large job losses. We must avoid autonomous deployment and use AI more in an assistive and augmenting role.
4 – How important is government support and regulation in fostering an AI-friendly environment? What policies do you think need to be prioritized to accelerate AI adoption?
A. Government has to play a significant role in regulation and building an innovation eco system but the real transformation will come from AI entrepreneurs.
5 – Looking ahead, what emerging trends in AI do you believe will have the most significant impact on businesses in the next 5-10 years?
A. There will be a move away from large energy-hogging processors and LLMs to more narrow functionality special purpose AI. We have to capitalize on this trend to give large enterprises and entrepreneurs a competitive advantage.
6 – What do you think is the biggest misconception about AI that needs to be addressed?
A. That it is only for large organizations and massively funded enterprises like Nvidia and Open AI. Every innovator can succeed with AI.
7 – As AI evolves, so does the need for a skilled workforce. How can companies and educational institutions collaborate to ensure that the next generation is prepared for AI centric roles?
A. Aggressive reskilling with learning paths, pedagogies, and content personalized by AI.
8 – As AI capabilities expand, so do ethical considerations. What steps do you think organizations should take to ensure responsible AI usage?
A. Ethical AI is imperative and all AI applications that impinge on data privacy or take undue advantage of human fallibility are avoided.
9 – On a more personal note, what inspires you most about the advancements in AI? How do you stay informed and engaged with the latest developments?
A. I am inspired by AI’s ability to aggregate summarise and guide. I read and write on AI and stay abreast of trends.
10 – Finally, as we approach the World AI Show, what message would you like to convey to the attendees about the future of AI?
A. Keep an open mind, listen to thought leaders, and use AI to power your future success!
Dr. Ganesh Natarajan’s vision for AI reflects a balanced approach—leveraging technology while considering ethical implications and inclusivity. As businesses and entrepreneurs look to capitalize on AI’s potential, it’s crucial to remain adaptable and forward-thinking. Dr. Natarajan’s insights provide valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of AI adoption, from regulatory landscapes to workforce reskilling.
As the World AI Show approaches, his message is clear: embrace AI with an open mind, stay informed, and harness its power to drive future success.
For more insights from Dr. Natarajan, stay tuned for his upcoming appearances and writings on the future of digital leadership.
