AI is undeniably transforming the world at an unprecedented pace. During a vibrant discussion at the 2024 TIME100 Summit, business leaders from various industries explored how this revolutionary technology is reshaping society and emphasized the importance of pairing innovation with humanity.
“This is transformational,” said Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, one of the summit’s premier sponsors. “People compare it to the advent of the internet or even electricity, but to me, it’s more like fire—something fundamentally game-changing.” He added that AI’s influence will permeate every industry, altering lives in ways people may not yet fully grasp.
Fogel joined Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter; Lynn Martin, President of the New York Stock Exchange; and David Droga, CEO of Accenture Song, for a panel discussion moderated by TIME Executive Chairman Edward Felsenthal.
Balancing Innovation and Humanity
Kickstarter has been proactive in addressing AI’s implications, requiring users to disclose when their projects utilize AI-generated content. Taylor underscored the importance of preserving human creativity alongside technological advances.
“AI is incredible,” Taylor said, “but we must ensure that the human touch and the creativity of individuals remain central. People—creatives—are essential.”
Martin, who has championed AI since her early career as a coder, highlighted the technology’s ability to handle vast data, freeing humans to focus on high-value tasks. “Data has grown exponentially,” she said. “AI helps us navigate this surge, enabling humans to accomplish meaningful work with the information at hand.”
Creativity Meets Technology
Droga pointed out that technology needs human creativity to imbue it with empathy, ambition, and humanity, while creativity relies on technology for scalability and speed. “Technology is just a tool,” he said. “Its true potential is unlocked when paired with human innovation.”
Taylor echoed this sentiment, advocating for equitable access to AI technologies. He stressed the importance of programs like AI bootcamps that connect underserved communities with cutting-edge tools, fostering opportunities and closing gaps in accessibility.
“There’s going to be surplus revenue from AI advancements,” Taylor said. “It’s critical to reinvest that into communities, educating and empowering individuals to create new opportunities.”
A Future Shaped by AI
While concerns about AI’s impact on jobs linger, Martin framed the technology as a means to amplify human potential rather than diminish it. “Contrary to the doom and gloom,” she said, “AI will allow people to take on higher-value tasks, leveraging the exponential growth in data to innovate and excel.”
The panelists agreed that the future of AI must include an ethical framework ensuring benefits are shared widely. Whether through regulation, education, or community investment, the call to action was clear: embrace AI’s potential while ensuring it remains a tool to uplift humanity.
Spotlighting Solutions
The TIME100 Summit continues to be a platform for global leaders to address pressing challenges and drive meaningful action. This year’s lineup features influential voices from politics, business, science, and the arts, including Elliot Page, Tory Burch, John Kerry, Jane Fonda, and Margaret Atwood, among others.
As AI reshapes the world, the message from the TIME100 Summit is one of hope and responsibility: Innovation and ethics must go hand in hand to create a brighter, more equitable future.
