In conversation with Stefanie Wyss, AI specialist
AI opens up extensive possibilities and promising opportunities for various stakeholder groups. So what can SMEs expect from AI? In an interview with Stefanie Wyss, we wanted to find out whether AI is taking over the world, where its limits lie and what dangers it harbors.
What is your professional background?
I grew up in Udligenswil and am not from a family of academics. I earned my first money at Ringier in the equipment department. I started at grammar school, then switched to business school and graduated with a vocational baccalaureate. After an internship with the city of Lucerne and the Passerelle at the cantonal school in Reussbühl, I completed a Bachelor's and Master's degree with the aim of becoming a German and history teacher. After completing my doctorate at the University of Basel, I did several CASs in Stanford, Rotkreuz and Lucerne.
What fascinates you about AI?
I have always been fascinated by language, whether spoken, written, non-verbal or programming languages. The special status of writing novices prompted me to write a doctoral thesis on the writing processes of primary school students. Through my further education activities in computational linguistics and evolutionary linguistics, I have dealt intensively with AI. It is fascinating and at the same time challenging that with the use of AI, linguistic fluency becomes more important for us individuals and not, as many assume, less important.
How important is AI in education and training?
Educational institutions, for example, are confronted with the problem that performance records can be comprehensively created using AI, but this cannot (yet) be proven. The question therefore arises as to whether performance records should once again be created using pencil and paper or whether they should be completely abolished in favor of holistic assessment. The discussion about the opportunities and risks of using AI in higher education has only just begun and will keep us busy for some time to come.
Is AI just short-term hype?
At the moment, AI is very hyped. However, disillusionment follows hot on its heels. We are noticing that the quality of ChatGPT is deteriorating. As it is "invisible", we need to reflect on where AI is involved everywhere.
Is AI conquering the world?
I don't see it at the moment. AI is there and processes the data that humans willingly provide. There is a risk that AI will reinforce prejudices (so-called biases). That's why we need an intensive discussion about what we want and what we don't want. Which data we make available and which we do not. I consider the European Community's AI Act to be a correct and important step.
Are people's safety and rights at risk from AI?
I think so. Forums like reddit are mainly filled with information that is sometimes very one-sided. AI uses the available data and if it is biased or negative, the outputs of AI reflect this. The suggestions from AI must therefore be assessed and scrutinized with extreme caution.
What can SMEs expect from AI?
Relief from routine work and efficient knowledge management, e.g. for serial letters, emails, handwritten notes, PDF and Word documents. This leaves them more time for qualitatively demanding work and for interpersonal relationships.
Is AI a successful concept for a small elite or the masses?
At the moment, it is more likely to benefit a small elite. The added value for the masses does not yet exist. All users need approaches that really benefit them.
What are your experiences with AI so far?
There is never a day when I don't use it. But I feel like I'm on a surfboard and the waves are getting bigger and bigger. There are so many innovations every day and AI is incredibly dynamic. We need a mindset and a good way of dealing with mistakes in order to learn and professionalize the use of AI.
What are your plans for the future?
I would like to start the MAS in Digital Business Management. I'm also interested in predictive maintenance projects. Thanks to this, the condition data of machines and devices can be collected to proactively maintain systems and prevent breakdowns.
Stefanie Wyss will provide detailed information about AI at the businesswomen's seminar on June 18, 2024. Register now!
Contact:
stefanie.wyss@phlu.ch, phlu.ch
