a single year. Yet, for all the advances AI has delivered—detecting cancer that doctors have missed or aiding conservation efforts in Brazil—it’s hard to remember that we’re still at “Day 0.0 of AI,” as entrepreneur and global tech leader Scott Jones put it during an afternoon session, still in the absolute infancy. “Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how businesses operate. The real challenge is how we choose to use it,” said UIndy President Dr. Tanuja Singh. “We are in a moment in time that requires intentional leadership and accountability to ensure this tool strengthens our workforce without sacrificing human judgment and creativity. The ultimate goal must always be human flourishing.” The balance isn’t easy. As Hodjat pointed out, everyone appreciates the computing technology behind modern automatic transmissions. Still, its problems can be just as glaring—like when AI recommended Project Lead The Way CEO David Dimmett walk to a nearby car wash because it was so close to his house. The tension, as Hodjat put it, is knowing when humans need to stay ‘in the loop’ at critical moments and when they can step back to merely be ‘on the loop’ for the sake of efficiency. Nearly every speaker discussed the importance of responsibility as AI continues to advance, while also recognizing that other countries and bad actors will not make the same choice. This is the new reality that everyone must confront, particularly today’s college students, and why UIndy is committed to being a place where these conversations can happen. The 2024 Work Trend Index from Microsoft and LinkedIn found that 66% of leaders would not hire someone without AI skills, and 71% would rather hire a less experienced candidate with AI skills than a more experienced candidate without them. For the University of Indianapolis, the AI Summit was both the culmination of a priority outlined several years ago in the three- year strategic plan and the launching point of something far more—an effort to bring key leaders and stakeholders together around one of the most important issues shaping the future of work. “This is only the beginning,” said Singh. “As a thought leader and institution of higher education, the University of Indianapolis has a responsibility to help people and organizations harness emerging technology. We must prepare our students for the future in a way that enables all of us to thrive.” The conversations on stage on April 9 and the jaw-dropping moment of creating a helpful AI agent in about the same amount of time as it takes to do a security update on one’s computer, demonstrate that artificial intelligence is here to stay. That much is clear, even on Day 0.0. The challenge is how to ensure technological advancements do not take center stage at the expense of human flourishing. If the right balance can be achieved, it will mean that artificial intelligence can live up to its potential as a tool that truly works for people.
This is only the beginning. As a thought leader and institution of higher education, the University of Indianapolis has a responsibility to help people and organizations harness emerging technology. We must prepare our students for the future in a way that enables all of us to thrive.” — Dr. Tanuja Singh, President, University of Indianapolis
Justina Nixon-Saintil, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Impact Officer, IBM
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UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
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