AI automation takes centre stage at the World Economic Forum 2025
Businesses are increasingly integrating AI into their operations, emphasising the need for collaboration and responsible technology use amid global uncertainties.
Businesses across various sectors are increasingly integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) automation into their operations, a trend underscored by significant discussions at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. The event, featuring nearly 3,000 leaders from business, academia, and government, highlighted the collaboration necessary to navigate the complexities of geopolitical and economic disruptions while optimising new technologies for societal benefit.
Amid discussions on global cooperation and responsible technology utilisation, Klaus Schwab, WEF chairman, noted, “The future does not just unfold. The future is shaped by people.” This sentiment resonates with many industry leaders as they strive to leverage AI in ways that not only enhance efficiency but also foster sustainable practices that align with broader societal goals.
The mining and metals sector, in particular, is facing numerous uncertainties related to supply chains and decarbonisation efforts. According to Deloitte’s recent report, companies in this field are encouraged to embrace Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). This technology presents opportunities for transforming traditional operational systems, enhancing workplace safety, and fostering a diverse labour force. The report outlines ten trends critical for industry evolution over the next 12 to 18 months, including the need for inclusive leadership and leveraging AI to improve mineral exploration.
“Companies should look to evolve in order to succeed amidst economic, social, and environmental changes,” Deloitte states, emphasising that adapting to these transformations requires innovative use of technology. As organisations aim for net-zero emissions, integrating AI capabilities into their operations plays a pivotal role. Strategies centred around scaling progress toward sustainability are increasingly seen as critical for maintaining operational legitimacy and profitability.
Further emphasising the technological shift, WEF managing director Jeremy Jurgens remarked, “In this era of rapid technological change, leaders must balance innovation with responsibility.” This call is echoed in the sentiments of various business figures attending the conference, who emphasise the need to achieve significant real-world value from AI solutions rather than merely pilot projects.
Industry experts suggest that companies are progressing beyond initial experimentation with AI to implement scalable solutions across operations. Florian Mueller, head of Bain & Company’s AI practice, pointed out that successful integration of AI into business models can lead to impressive results, asserting that the focus is shifting from trials to practical applications driving growth.
At the meeting, there were frequent mentions of how AI would impact sectors ranging from finance to customer service, with predictions that AI-driven markets could approach US$1 trillion by 2027. As companies continue to explore these avenues, leaders are urged to combine visionary strategies with robust frameworks that address potential barriers to implementation.
The implications of these discussions extend beyond immediate technological improvements, indicating a shift in how global industries are rethinking their operations to foster resilience against an evolving geopolitical landscape. Speaker Mirek Dušek noted the growing need for collaboration across national borders to combat challenges while enhancing economic opportunities for all.
In summary, as organisations embrace AI to drive innovation and achieve strategic objectives, industry leaders are tasked with navigating a complex landscape marked by rapid changes in technology and the socio-economic environment. The ongoing dialogues at significant forums such as the WEF serve as a pivotal backdrop for these transformations across industries.
