In the darkness of a changing world
Paris, December 2024. In a cozy OECD conference room, the lightly drawn curtains filter out the winter light. The seats, lined up, welcome experts from all over the world to debate the future of the digital economy. At the podium of the Paris Conference (International Economic Forum of the Americas), Tom Siebel, founder of C3.ai, sits, adjusting his sober suit. His piercing gaze sweeps across the audience. When he speaks, his words are precise, carrying a vision that is both exciting and incisive.
“ We are living at a pivotal moment », he announces in a clear tone. “ Artificial intelligence is redefining our societies, our economies and even our identities. But the promises it carries come with responsibilities that we cannot ignore. »
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The architect of a digital transformation
Tom Siebel is not a newcomer to the digital revolution. With a career that began at Oracle in the 1980s, he made history by founding Siebel Systems, a pioneering company in customer relationship management (CRM). In 2006, when Siebel Systems was acquired by Oracle for nearly $6 billion, Siebel could have been content to enjoy its success. But the entrepreneur already saw beyond.
In 2009, he created C3.ai, convinced that enterprise artificial intelligence would become a cornerstone of the economy. The company is investing three billion dollars in the development of a platform designed to manage large-scale AI applications. Today, its solutions are used by giants, such as Shell, the US Air Force, and other iconic organizations. “ Our applications optimize supply chains, predict demand and reduce energy costs, while improving user experience “, he explains.
Generative AI: a major upheaval
But it is the emergence of generative AI that crystallizes Siebel’s attention. Unlike traditional AI, which analyzes data for specific predictions, generative AI can create content — text, images, and soon more. “ These models represent a revolution in the way we interact with technology “, he says.
Siebel predicts that the human-machine interface, previously limited by complex and often frustrating systems, will be radically simplified. “ Imagine a future where all your digital interactions flow through an AI-powered command line that can understand and execute your needs in natural language. No more incomprehensible interfaces between CRM and ERP players. »
Behind the enthusiasm, a warning
Yet this optimism comes with a caveat. According to Siebel, expectations around generative AI are often excessive. “ These models, although impressive, remain limited, he insists. We don’t even know exactly how they work. Regulating their use as we regulate other technologies is an illusion. »
He also talks about the economic bubble that has formed around AI. “ Absolutely, there is a bubble, and it is gigantic. Some companies are absurdly overvalued, like OpenAI, valued at $157 billion. If it disappeared tomorrow, nothing would really change in the world. This shows how much the market overestimates these technologies. »
Medicine: the real AI revolution
Despite the excesses, Siebel believes in the positive impact of AI, particularly in health. “ Precision medicine will be the most transformative application of AI “, he declares enthusiastically. With technologies that can analyze genomes and predict diseases before they occur, millions of lives could be saved.
“ Imagine a world where we can diagnose cancer or heart disease before it occurs and take preventative measures. Or, providing personalized care in previously neglected regions of the world. This is the future that AI can make possible. »
Europe facing its choices
When discussing Europe, Siebel adopts a more critical tone. He believes that regulations like the AI Act risk hindering innovation. “ These regulations increase the cost of compliance so much that they exclude startups and small businesses. Only giants like Google or Microsoft can keep up. This ensures that Europe remains on the sidelines of the global AI race. »
A look towards the future
As the light fades in the room, Siebel concludes with this sobering note: “ Artificial intelligence is the most powerful tool we have ever created. But with this power comes immense responsibility. If we want it to serve the common good, we must be proactive, innovate with caution and anticipate its societal impacts. »
For tech professionals, the message is clear: AI is not a passing fad. It is reshaping the contours of our world, offering unprecedented opportunities while posing colossal challenges.
“ The future of AI is not limited to what we can imagine today, he concludes. It depends on what we decide to do with it tomorrow. »
