Anuj Gupta, CEO of Hitachi Systems, on Generative AI, Sustainability, and the Future of Work

What is Generative AI? A friend or a foe? This is an ethical dilemma for sure. Are there any risks and challenges while implementing generative AI? And how will technology transform? Anuj Gupta, CEO, Hitachi Systems, touches upon sustainability, generative AI, challenges, risks, and the future of work, in an exclusive conversation with ET Insights.

Anuj believes that it’s a collective endeavour, especially for large organizations, to create a sustainable future. Sustainability is all about planning the next 20 years, and how we consume and dispose of energy. Before looking for alternate energy systems, it’s very important that we create a holistic ecosystem that is sustainable rather than focusing on a few areas.

He believes that it’s too early to know if AI is a friend or a foe, but it will play a part in shaping our future, especially in automating repetitive work. Technology has the scope to sweep in and take over.

From 2000 to 2007, cybersecurity was deployed only to combat a few viruses. During this period, viruses were used as weapons to shut down networks, often in a game of one-upmanship. Now, it’s a matter of organised crime targeting companies. Human fallacies are the biggest reason for loopholes in cybersecurity. Almost everyone is online in the post-Covid era, and this has disrupted buying patterns. Nowadays, Instagram stories drive sales better than other platforms.

Speaking about the future of work in the next 3 to 5 years, with rapidly changing tech and the next generation coming in, more emphasis will be placed on relevance rather than experience. Leaders and upcoming leaders who fail to adapt will become redundant. It’s essential to keep an eye on how technology is shaping and being ready to tackle the future. Being relevant is the new mantra!