⛷️ Notes from a ski resort – AI discussions at Davos

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This note was originally sent to members of Exponential View last week.

My average step length is about 70cm according to Apple Health. In three days, I took 64,480 steps — 45.1km — trudging around Davos in heavy snow boots. My calves are sore, my ankles stiff, and achilles’ tender.

I certainly put the miles in at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting this January. 

Of course, Davos isn’t just about walking. It’s about talking.

I spent time with bosses at Microsoft, Alphabet, and Meta, and between 30 - 40 senior executives (by which I mean the CEO or their reports) of firms in pharma, professional services, industrials, banking, and other sectors. To this, there were many conversations with people building AI systems, some remarkably brilliant founders across industry, a smattering of chats with politicians and members of civil society. There was the odd bit of celebrity stardom, too.

AI was ubiquitous. While the official event, the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, highlighted discussions on climate change, inequality, and geopolitics, AI felt like a key topic. AI was in focus in various fringe events, as well, attracting as many as 80,000 additional people.

I caught up with over a dozen EV members, including Vladimir Lukic with whom I shared why I think we’re moving towards the society of AI, a syncretic collective intelligence rather than a single, ever-powerful AI.

This year, blockchain presence was minimal. Instead, numerous AI firms, from large to small, sought to engage with customers and media. Notably, there was a strong presence from Middle Eastern and Indian governments. I discuss all of this in conversation with Ian Bremmer , as well. Enjoy!

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