Article: The Power of AI in Empowering Us all with the Strength of Lions
At the AV/IT Summit held on August 1st at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, Julian Phillips, a columnist and the managing director of XTG, the experimental technology division of AVI-SPL, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address.
Phillips' talk centred around the synergistic relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Pro AV (Professional Audio-Visual) industry. He emphasised the importance of innovation and transformation in this sector, highlighting a common pattern in innovation management: the 90/10 Principle.
This principle suggests that about 90% of time, resources, or effort is spent on exploitation or incremental improvement of existing technologies and processes, while only about 10% is dedicated to exploring truly novel ideas or transformative innovation. Phillips argued that most organizations, including those in the Pro AV industry, are too focused on maintaining the status quo and not enough on innovation or transformation.
However, AI can help flip this 90/10 ratio. By automating and optimising routine tasks, AI can free up human resources and capital to dedicate more to exploration and breakthrough innovation.
AI-driven automation can handle repetitive or complex operational tasks efficiently, reducing the time and cost associated with maintaining current systems. Advanced AI tools such as generative AI, autonomous agents, and data analytics can enable rapid prototyping, simulation, and testing of new ideas, accelerating innovation cycles.
AI’s predictive capabilities can uncover hidden opportunities for transformation by analysing large datasets from Pro AV systems, audience engagement, and market trends. By shifting AI from a purely generative role to an agentic one (where it acts autonomously), AI supports decision-making and innovation initiatives, increasing the share of effort allocated to exploration and transformation.
Phillips encouraged attendees to dedicate more time to considering new ideas, new areas of opportunity, and new anything. He also encouraged individuals to challenge industry norms and consider new ways of conducting business. Phillips drew inspiration from Friedrich Nietzsche's concept of spiritual transformation, specifically the transformation from a camel to a lion, symbolising self-purpose and freedom.
Phillips' talk concluded with a call for the Pro AV industry to embrace AI tools and new ways of conducting business to avoid being left behind. He emphasised that the 10/90 work/innovation ratio is not achievable overnight, but companies in the Pro AV industry should consider changing their organisational structures to make the most of AI tools.
The 90/10 Principle has been previously discussed by 19th century Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People author Stephen Covey. The notion aligns with common patterns in innovation management where exploitation dominates innovation activities. Industry discussions about AI in managed services and technology sectors emphasise this transformative potential of AI to improve operational efficiency and spark innovation, suggesting it can help overcome inertia caused by over-investment in the existing 90%.
In summary, the AV/IT Summit provided a platform for Julian Phillips to discuss the transformative potential of AI in the Pro AV industry. His keynote address highlighted the need for innovation and transformation, the 90/10 Principle, and the role AI can play in flipping this ratio and driving breakthrough innovation in the sector.
Read also:
- Hematology specialist and anemia treatment: The role of a hematologist in managing anemia conditions
- A Week in Pixelized Realm: The Transformation of the World in Digital Form
- Enhancing the framework or setup for efficient operation and growth
- Hydroelectric Power Generation Industry Forecasted to Expand to USD 413.3 Billion by 2034, Projected Growth Rate of 5.8% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
