This past year has been very intense for AI. Since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022, many things have happened and much has been written about it, although for me it has been a kind of ‘déjà vu’ from my predoctoral studies at the University of Córdoba, researching rapid diagnostic techniques based on Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and genetic manipulation. It was a time of great hopes and fears: the promises of advanced biotechnology were intertwined with the fear of transgenic products and artificial pathogens. The race to sequence the human genome was at its peak, with private laboratories attempting to patent certain genes. Criticism of genetic manipulation was fierce, with some prophesying the end of humanity due to its misuse.
Over the years, there would be intense legislation on the ethical and moral issues of DNA manipulation. Today, these techniques are widely accepted and have been fundamental to the development of Covid vaccines, although they continue to generate ethical debates. For example, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, a technique that allows precise modification of DNA, has generated both hopes for the cure of genetic diseases and ethical concerns about the modification of human embryos.
A couple of years ago, I decided to study a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI), my other great passion. During my studies, I became fascinated with the potential of GPT-3, foreseeing a revolution in AI. However, the arrival of ChatGPT in 2022 exceeded all my expectations. This language model has seen rapid evolution and adoption across multiple sectors, from assisting in creative writing to applications in customer service.
In November 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, marking a turning point in the field of AI. This language model has experienced rapid evolution and adoption across multiple sectors. This period has been marked by significant investments and the emergence of competitors such as Google’s Bard and Gemini and META’s LLaMA, and some in the image field like DALL-Midjourney, and Stable Diffusion, among many others. This rapid development, however, has raised ethical concerns and intense debates. Figures like Elon Musk and Yuval Noah Harari have called for a pause in its development, fearing unintended consequences. Global responses have been varied, with regulations and investigations emerging in several countries.
In this context, I see an intriguing parallel between biotechnology and AI. Both are at the intersection of promise and fear, but the digital age has amplified these emotions through social media, a platform that did not exist in the days of my initial research. Mustafa Suleyman, in his book “The Wave to Come,” captures this spirit of change and challenge, reflecting my two great passions. He predicts that the next decade will be marked by innovations that will transform our lives.
These advances in Artificial Intelligence have transformed our interaction with technology, elevating it from a mere tool to a creative and collaborative partner. A report by the McKinsey Global Institute suggests that 30% of tasks in most occupations could be automated by 2030, highlighting the importance of AI in business processes. Additionally, a study by PwC predicts that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global GDP by 2030.
The development of sound policies is essential for the successful integration of AI. These policies should include ongoing training for employees and establish clear guidelines on privacy and data security. Collaboration with regulators and ethics experts is crucial for development that benefits society as a whole.
In conclusion, AI represents a new era of business innovation that must be integrated quickly but responsibly. With well-thought-out policies and an ethical approach, we can ensure that AI drives economic development and improves the quality of life worldwide.
Looking ahead to the future of AI with anticipation and respect, it is evident that, like biotechnology revolutionized sectors such as medicine, AI has transformative potential in all aspects of our business and social life. This is a future full of possibilities and challenges, but above all, of hope in our ability to use technology for greater good. AI is not just a passing trend; it is a catalyst for change and progress, a path we must tread cautiously but with conviction.
