Elin Hauge

Artificial intelligence and natural stupidity – Why humans, not the algorithms, are the real problem

Have you noticed the two big elephants dancing around in the room every time artificial intelligence is brought up? The two elephants are called You and Me. Artificial intelligence is, in very simple terms, mathematics applied to large amounts of data. But where do those data come from? From You and Me. And that is where the problem of natural stupidity comes in. To quote Cassie Kozyrkow, “artificial intelligence is a thoughtlessness enabler”.

Audience takeaways:

• Thought-provoking perspectives on some of the key challenges within artificial intelligence, enabling new paths towards a responsible future
• Recommendations for how to mitigate natural stupidity.

Busting the myths about AI, and building the bridge to real value for business and society

Are you tired of hearing about a distant future where robots rule the world, humans are mere servants, and we are all subject to the whims of a ubiquitous artificial intelligence?

Let’s put those nasty fairytales aside for now, and discuss what is actually possible here and now. Let’s talk about how mathematics applied to large amounts of data can automate processes, completely change how you do business, and fuel innovation of new products and services.

As a business leader and decision-maker, having a basic understanding of artificial intelligence should be as compulsory as having access to a computer.

Audience takeaways:

• Real-life examples that are relevant for your industry
• Concrete understanding of what artificial intelligence actually entails,
• Recommendations for what you as a leader and decision-maker should focus on

Bias Is Buzz, but Responsibility Rules

In April 2021, EU published a proposal for regulation of AI. The core of the regulation is about protecting the fundamental rights of the individual. Bias, or rather the absence of, is an essential component. But what is it really about? And why do we need to have a serious talk about a pair of huge elephants in the room – namely you and me?

Audience takeaways:

• High-level overview of how the European countries tackle the privacy issues of AI
• Recommendations for how to build a more intelligent and responsible future, seen through a European’s eyes

Cracking eggs to make an omelette - the challenges of being a woman in STEM

Science and technology is way too important for the future of our planet and of business and society to be left in the hands of men only. Sustainability, both in terms of business, finance, society, and environment, relies on intelligent, responsible and science-based applications of digital technologies.

Elin Hauge has two master’s degrees in the STEM domain, and throughout her career she has studied and worked in male-dominated environments. Moving forward, she has a clear message to the market; we need balanced diversity to be able to tackle the challenges ahead.

In this talk, Elin shares personal and humoristic perspectives on the dangers of being a strong-willed and outspoken woman in a man’s world, and concrete suggestions for career choices in a technology-driven world.

Audience takeaways:

• Inspiration for actions and career choices
• Encouragement and hope
• How to build the self-confidence to crack some eggs

Anywhere Office – the Future of Work in a Data-Driven World

The Covid pandemic will forever be remembered as the most successful digitalization programme in history. However, although all employees eventually accepted the changes, the leadership role was never a part of the change program. As the world now attempts to return to “normal” after a year and a half of social distancing and working from home, business leaders struggle to get their heads around the Future of Work. The technology giants are adopting a hybrid first strategy, and more than 50% of employees prefer to work from home 3 or more days per week. Will business and work be more or less like we knew it two years ago, or are we in the midst of a paradigm shift?

In this talk, Elin combines her insight into business strategy and data-driven technologies with personal experiences from working in an international landscape during the Covid pandemic.

Audience takeaways:

• Understanding of the international non-Covid factors that drive the Future of Work
• New perspectives on the leadership challenge ahead
• Concrete suggestions for how to approach the Future of Work

“Digital and sustainable – a contradiction?”

It’s easy to think that everything will be so much better and more sustainable when we make it digital. But is it really that simple? The environment, climate, the rights of the individual and humanity are under pressure from digital technologies. What do we need to understand in order to make the right choices for the climate, for our children’s future and for a humane society?

• In this lecture, Elin provides an overview of environmental and societal challenges caused by digital technologies, and concrete suggestions on how to make wise choices for a sustainable future.