On October 10, 2024, the time had come: more than 300 international experts as well as leading minds from politics, business, science, society, startups and students came together at the first Technology Impact Summit in the Graz soap factory to discuss the far-reaching effects of artificial intelligence discuss. Not only did the project initiated and run by the University of Graz, Graz University of Technology, JOANNEUM RESEARCH and FH JOANNEUM Fanny Stapf (ORF) moderated the event using a holistic approach – the multifaceted program, which ranged from incisive debates to compact lightning talks, also opened up space for new perspectives and inspired a lively exchange of knowledge across disciplines.
Top-class speakers, lasting impact
The joint pre-event took place on the evening of October 9th, 2024, which, among other things, got in the mood for this first Technology Impact Summit Thomas Burri (University of St. Gallen), lawyer Martin Slate, Helmut List (AVL List), Marlene Hanschitz-Halikias (Grant Thornton), Harald Leitenmüller (Microsoft) and Andreas Martin (Porsche Media & Creative) invited to the “Unicorn” at the University of Graz. The highlights of the panels taking place the next day include contributions from best-selling author and scientist Julia Shaw (University College London), who impressed with her insights into the “dance of the brain with artificial intelligence,” and Economics Minister Martin Kocherwhich highlighted the location advantages of the AI Act for Europe. In common exchange they dedicated themselves Markus Kneer (University of Graz) and Sonja Schmer-Galunder (University of Florida) also the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence.
Provided a critical perspective on Europe’s role in the global competition for technological leadership Elisabeth Lex (TU Graz), Jana Lasser (University of Graz) and Mic Hirschbrich (Apollo.ai). The experts particularly emphasized the need to integrate European values and humanistic approaches into the development and application of artificial intelligence. The question of who will have the upper hand in the future – man or machine Konrad Paul Liessmann (University of Vienna), Viktor Mayer-Schönberger (Oxford University) and Anna-Maria Wallner (The press) according to. Overall, artificial intelligence was seen as promoting convenience, but not as a cultural revolution.
More information on ti-summit.com
Read the detailed summary here leisure.at/presse
About the Technology Impact Summit
The Technology Impact Summit is a joint initiative of the University of Graz, Graz University of Technology, JOANNEUM RESEARCH and FH JOANNEUM. It presents current technological and scientific developments and builds a bridge between different specialist areas and local and international experts. The focus of the new multi-perspective platform for science, business, start-ups and politics is on the effects of technological developments on the economy and society in the near future. High conciseness is ensured through discussion in the form of Oxford Style Debates or presentations in the form of “Lightning Talks”. The Technology Impact Summit 2024 is supported by AVL List, ACP, Grant Thornton, Grazer Wechselseiten, LexisNexis, Microsoft, PwC, Schiefer Rechtsanwälte, Steiermärkische Sparkasse, AWS, Bankenverband, BMAW, BMBWF, CANCOM, Energie Steiermark, Holding Graz, Industriellenvereinigung Steiermark, State of Styria, Austrian Post/Business Solution, Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark, SAP, VSG, WKO Steiermark, 4Events and Vrisch. Further information on ti-summit.com