ASPIRE Krakow conference talks AI, Workplaces, and BPO vs Captive.

The last talk at the Aspire Leaders Summit (held 23 November in Krakow) was by renowned futurist Prof. Ian Angell, ahead of the publication of his new book, “The Technological Mind”. He spoke about the impacts of digital intelligence on our human future and provided his thoughts on what this means for GBS and for Kraków.

The repercussions of systemic consequences extend beyond the confines of the initial setup. They spread in various directions, with effects that can range from minor ripples to potentially transformative tsunamis, as illustrated by the impact of AI on contemporary business.

According to the professor, AI is a technology that will completely change our reality. Summit participants had the opportunity to listen to an engaging speech filled with knowledge and specific business solutions.

Other topics covered were as follows:

1. Global trends in GBS: What you need to know
   1. PwC’s much anticipated bi-annual “GBS Global Survey 2023”: The report’s key findings and what they mean for us.

1. Global Economic Outlook 2024 
   1. Global economic outlook prepared for ASPIRE by HSBC, taking account of what it means for GBS and for Kraków.

1. Automation 101: Key concepts
   1. The impact of Automation in GBS: a look at what’s really happening and what’s around the corner.

1. Gen AI: Expectations vs Reality
   1. Deep dive into Gen AI. What is it? What it means for GBS? Expectations vs the reality and How we can get ready.

1. Is BPO Dead? The place of Outsourcing in the GBS mix 
   1. Current trends and arguments for and against BPO in the GBS mix. When? What technologies and what skills? Where? - led by Rakesh Sangani from Proservartner.
      

1. Global Real Estate Trends: the changing shape of offices and urban space
   1. Takeaways from Knight Frank’s “Global Real Estate Trends 2023”; anticipated impacts on quality, supply and price.

1. Workforce, workplace and ways of working
   1. Impacts of future ways of working and changing attitudes of the workforce; talent pools, skills development and how we organise work.

1. Inclusive workplaces: Women in Tech and Business Services
   1. The challenges women face in the workplace; comparing tech & business services; talent pool and career progression.

1. Neurodiversity & Mental Health: what it means for leaders

Why diversity matters and what new research by Skanska tells us about managing neurodiversity in the workplace.