AI & Data Strategy
We offer companies new market opportunities through the use of cutting-edge technologies and AI-based data analysis processes.
"I’m so deep in this bloodshed that if I stopped this business now, going back would be as difficult as continuing all the way". (Macbeth, III, 4 di William Shakespeare)
I have always been fascinated by the way Shakespeare encapsulates Macbeth's journey towards the unknown with just a few words. It doesn't matter how his journey began; what matters is the clear perception of the so-called "point of no return." The elegance of this phrase, recited by Macbeth in the third act of Shakespeare's play, conceals a condition that can emerge as a consequence of every significant action in our personal and professional lives.
The condition that Shakespeare describes is also known as the "Macbeth Effect". It summarizes a perception that leaves no room for choice and is based on the clouded belief that by continuing along the path, one will find clarity or a solution to the current state.
This effect manifests in many areas of private and professional life, where our decisions often begin with phrases such as: "It costs nothing to try," "There's so little risk" or the bolder, "If he did it, I can do it easily too".
In professional life, the Macbeth effect is often accompanied by a sort of industrial mystique, epitomized by impressive aphorisms on office walls, like a Steve Jobs poster with a motivating quote, similar to how a photo of Marilyn Monroe might adorn a hair salon.
The Macbeth effect arises from an approach that leads us to develop a high propensity for risk, neglecting any form of control and measurement of current and expected results. By its nature, the Macbeth effect is linked to the exploration of the unknown, often found in innovation, research and development, and invention processes. Anyone embarking on a path without adequately analyzing its risks or duration can find themselves in the same position as Macbeth.
Industrial history has numerous failures linked to the belief that there is no turning back, with no escape routes except continuing forward. A notable example is the Concorde project, a supersonic aircraft produced by the Anglo-French consortium of British Aerospace and Aérospatiale. The Concorde was one of the most ambitious innovation projects in aeronautics history, beginning in the late 1950s and seeing the first prototype take off in March 1969. It wasn't until November 4, 1970, that the aircraft first reached Mach 2, becoming the second commercial aircraft to fly at that speed, after the Soviet Tupolev Tu-144. This historical context helps us understand the decisions leading to the first flight in 1976 and its disastrous failure in October 2003. Although many believe its decommissioning was due to the July 2000 disaster, the truth is that its abandonment was due to the massive consumption, unsustainable maintenance costs, a small number of passengers (due to the high flight price), and often questionable marketing choices. The tragic accident in Paris merely accelerated the closure of the Concorde project, as the French and British governments had been covering its budget deficit despite clear financial evidence against its sustainability. This persistence is a classic example of the human tendency to continue a project without considering future benefits, focusing instead on past efforts and investments.
The analysis of future advantages is described in economics by the concept of "opportunity cost," which defines the future value of one's choices based on the cost of forgoing an alternative opportunity. Essentially, it is the sacrifice made to make a choice. However, in evaluating investments, assessments often give more weight to "sunk costs." To illustrate this dynamic, imagine being at the head of a research and development project with an uncertain outcome and having 100,000 euros to invest.
Consider two scenarios: in the first, you have already invested 500,000 euros and can close the project with an additional 100,000 euros; in the second, you haven't started the project yet and can invest your 100,000 euros to begin activities with an uncertain outcome. How would you act? You are likely inclined to invest in the first scenario, considering what has already been done. But any answer is neither correct nor wrong because the question itself is flawed. The correct question should be: "What is the opportunity cost in the current state of the project?" Only this question provides the logical basis for making our choice.
The incorrect evaluation of sunk costs is due to a cognitive distortion known as the "Sunk Cost Effect," evident in the Concorde case, where heavy investments by the French and British governments led to further investments even when the project's financial unsustainability was clear. This bias reflects a paradoxical behavior: when we have invested significant effort, time, and money into a failing project, instead of abandoning it to limit losses, we tend to continue investing, exacerbating our losses.
You might think this wouldn't happen to you, but consider a fixed-menu restaurant where you're almost full but have already paid for dessert. You might order and leave it on your plate because you paid for it, demonstrating the sunk cost fallacy. This phenomenon also occurs in relationships, where people maintain unhappy, unsatisfactory relationships to avoid "wasting" the time spent together.
Daniel Friedman (University of California-Santa Cruz) explored this in his 2007 study, “Searching for the Sunk Cost Fallacy.” He describes the psychological mechanisms underlying bad decisions related to sunk costs. According to Friedman, bad decisions stem from "cognitive dissonance," leading to continuous self-justification. People who invest in an unprofitable activity modify their beliefs about its profitability to avoid admitting a mistake. Cognitive dissonance varies among individuals; anxious people are more sensitive to uncertainty and tend to continue investing despite likely failure, whereas depressed individuals are more likely to stop investing due to unrealistically positive future expectations.
The behaviors driven by the Macbeth effect demonstrate that distorted perceptions of sunk costs have costly consequences in terms of money, time, and effort. A more severe form of the Macbeth effect is the "Escalation Effect." When a project begins to fail, sunk cost bias irrationally pushes individuals to make even more investments, leading to further losses. This growing spiral of investment is also known as the “Vietnam Effect,” explained by conditions during the US Vietnam War. According to Secretary of State George Ball's 1965 memorandum to President Johnson, retreating becomes impossible as soldiers die, leading to more investments to avoid their deaths being in vain.
My professional experience has allowed me to observe the Macbeth Effect and the Escalation Effect closely. The lessons I've learned can be summarized in a path of increasing investments, which I call the "roadmap of madness." This path is common to the projects analyzed for this article and unfolds in the following steps:
The end of this roadmap is uncertain, but it is unlikely to be pleasant given the described path. My experience with two now-bankrupt companies (a cloud operating system and a procurement platform) has taught me to pay close attention to the Macbeth effect, as in real life, the curtain can indeed fall.
Article source: Linkedin Article by Vincenzo Gioia
In the business-to-business (B2B) context, technological innovation has radically transformed the way companies manage document workflows, especially in documentation-intensive industries such as energy, finance, and healthcare. Automated document management, combined with artificial intelligence (AI), offers revolutionary solutions to long-standing problems related to operational efficiency, cost reduction, and human resource optimization.
Modern companies are faced with the need to process ever-increasing volumes of documents. These documents, which vary widely in type and content, require processing that often relies on standardized and repetitive procedures. Effective classification of documents is therefore a primary challenge, given the need to correctly identify the "document class" to which they belong in order to proceed with appropriate processing.
Take, for example, the back office of an electric utility: the volume and variety of communications to be handled are enormous, and include contracts, invoices, fault reports, and more. Accurate classification of these documents is critical to ensure that they are routed correctly and processed efficiently.
The document management process begins with the receipt of documents, followed by their automatic categorization through the use of machine learning (ML) modules that assign confidence to the classification. This approach allows effective preprocessing of responses and targeted forwarding to the corresponding departments. File processing is then handled more smoothly, with constant monitoring to identify areas for improvement.
The proposed solution includes the use of ML-based classifiers for document categorization, automated response generators optimized through generative AI for preliminary drafting of responses, and automation platforms for file sorting. These tools, integrated into a modular and pluggable architecture, promise significant improvement in document management efficiency.
Key features of this technology solution include modular architecture for easy integration with existing systems, no-code paradigm for democratized access to the technology, and the ability to operate in the cloud for greater scalability. Extension through Robotic Process Automation (RPA) further simulates human interventions, reducing the workload on employees and allowing them to focus on more value-added tasks.
The adoption of automated and artificial intelligence-based solutions in document management offers B2B companies the opportunity to overcome challenges related to document classification and processing. Through the implementation of advanced technologies, companies can expect significant improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction. In this new technological landscape, continuous innovation will be the key to maintaining a competitive advantage, making it critical for companies to stay current on the latest trends and solutions in document management and artificial intelligence.
Digitization is revolutionizing the way we operate in workplaces, not only increasing efficiency and productivity, but also opening new avenues for inclusiveness. With the advent of digital technologies, there has been a significant transformation that goes beyond the mere automation of processes: we are now able to create more inclusive and accessible workplaces. Digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and various communication software, are breaking down physical, cultural and social barriers, enabling people from different backgrounds to work together more harmoniously and productively.
In a previous article, we presented and explored the concept of inclusiveness, emphasizing that it not only concerns the ethical and moral sphere, but also that related to corporate positioning, brand reputation, and employee productivity. We also saw that Artificial Intelligence can provide valuable support in the recruitment phase.
In this article, however , we will discover how digitization is facilitating job inclusion by providing unprecedented opportunities for diverse groups, including people with disabilities, remote workers, and multicultural teams. We will address the benefits, challenges, and strategies needed to fully exploit the potential of digitization in the area of work inclusiveness.
Digitization has revolutionized access to work for people with disabilities. Technologies such as speech recognition, screen reading software, and customizable user interfaces have become indispensable tools that enable people to work effectively. For example, screen reading software helps blind people access digital information, while speech recognition systems enable those with motor limitations to interact with computers without the use of their hands. In addition, machine translation applications and real-time subtitles in videos can help people with hearing impairments participate in online meetings and conferences. These technologies not only increase independence and participation, but also help create a more inclusive and welcoming work culture. However, it is crucial for companies not only to implement these technologies, but also to ensure that they are easily accessible and that staff receive the proper training to use them effectively.
Digitization has introduced an unprecedented level of flexibility to work. With tools such as cloud computing and online collaboration platforms, remote work has become a reality for many. This flexibility is especially beneficial for those with specific needs, such as parents with young children or people living in remote areas that are underserved by transportation. For example, working parents can better balance work and family responsibilities, while workers in remote areas can access job opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. However, this transition also requires a cultural shift in organizations. Companies must adopt policies that support flexibility, such as flexible working hours and the ability to work asynchronously. They also need to ensure that all workers, regardless of location, have access to the same resources and development opportunities. This requires careful planning and ongoing efforts to ensure that remote work does not become a factor in isolation or disconnection from the rest of the team.
The advent of digitization has profoundly changed the way communication and collaboration occurs within work teams. Tools such as online collaboration platforms, video conferencing systems, and instant messaging have not only overcome geographic barriers, but have also created opportunities for more inclusive and diverse collaboration. In a digital environment, teams can be composed of members from all over the world, with varying backgrounds and skills, increasing diversity of thought and perspectives. This is particularly beneficial in terms of innovation, as different perspectives lead to more creative ideas and more effective solutions. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that all team members, regardless of their location or time zone, feel involved and valued. This requires clear communication, regular update sessions, and the use of technology that promotes equitable interaction. For example, it is critical to ensure that all team members have the opportunity to express themselves during online meetings and that working documents are collaboratively accessible and editable. In this way, digitization can help build a truly global and inclusive work environment.
Digitization has also transformed training and professional development, making them more accessible and customizable. With the proliferation of e-learning platforms and online resources, employees now have access to a wide range of courses and training materials that can be tailored to their learning styles and schedules. This is especially useful for those who may have specific needs, such as people with disabilities or those who work full-time and are trying to balance education with other responsibilities. In addition, digital training can be customized to address specific skills and gaps, allowing employees to focus on areas that are most relevant to their professional development. However, it is important that companies do not rely solely on e-learning, but also use other training methods to ensure that all employees, regardless of their familiarity with technology, have access to training. In addition, in-person interactions and hands-on training remain crucial components of professional development, especially in industries where practical skills are critical. Therefore, a balanced training strategy that combines digital and traditional elements can offer the best learning and development outcomes.
In conclusion, digitization offers tremendous opportunities to promote inclusiveness in the world of work. Through the use of advanced technologies, companies can create more accessible, flexible and inclusive work environments. Implementing digital collaboration tools, online training programs, AI-based recruitment systems, and enterprise social networking platforms are all essential steps toward creating a more inclusive work culture. However, it is important to remember that technology alone is not a complete solution. It requires an ongoing commitment by companies to ensure that technologies are used ethically and consciously, and that inclusion policies and practices are integrated into all aspects of the organization. With the right combination of technology, culture, and policies, companies can not only improve their efficiency and productivity, but also become more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplaces.
In today's workplace landscape, the importance of inclusiveness in business is increasingly asserting itself as a key pillar of employee well-being, with immediate effects on employee productivity as well. Work inclusiveness is not only an ethical value to be pursued, but also represents a winning strategy for companies that wish to remain competitive and innovative. But what exactly is meant by "inclusiveness" in this context?
In simple terms, work inclusiveness refers to creating a work environment in which every individual, regardless of background, ability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity or age, feels that he or she can contribute meaningfully and is valued. It is about moving beyond mere tolerance of differences and actively embracing diversity as a resource and a source of enrichment.
Achieving a truly inclusive work environment is not a simple or immediate process. It requires constant commitment, a clear vision and well-defined strategies. Every company, large or small, has the power and responsibility to contribute to this positive change by promoting genuine inclusion in today's world of work.
Why is this so important? Research shows that inclusive companies not only achieve greater engagement and satisfaction from their employees, but also see an increase in creativity, innovation and, as a result, economic performance. In a globalized and interconnected world, access to the world of work in an equitable and inclusive manner becomes a key factor in any organization's success.
This article aims to explore how companies can achieve work inclusion in practice, focusing on winning strategies for an inclusive work environment. We will examine various initiatives and practices that can be adopted to build a work environment that truly values the diversity and uniqueness of each individual.
Companies that adopt an inclusive approach enjoy many tangible benefits. Prominent among these are increased productivity and creativity. A work environment that welcomes and values diversity stimulates innovation, as different perspectives lead to original solutions and increased problem solving. In addition, an inclusive business climate significantly reduces employee turnover. When people feel accepted and valued, their loyalty to the company grows, thus reducing the costs associated with training new staff and maintaining high competence within the organization.
Inclusiveness is not only a moral issue; it is also a strategic lever for corporate growth. Through numerous case studies, it has been seen that companies with a strong inclusive culture stand out in the marketplace, improving corporate image and brand. The adoption of inclusive policies results in increased customer loyalty, with customers increasingly choosing to support companies that reflect their values of equity and inclusion.
A key strategy for promoting inclusiveness in the company is training and awareness raising. Training programs should target both employees and leaders, highlighting the importance of an inclusive work environment and providing practical tools to achieve it. Inclusive workshops and team building activities can help build bridges between different groups of workers, promoting mutual understanding and respect.
To promote inclusiveness, it is essential that companies adopt targeted, nondiscriminatory hiring policies. This includes creating specific initiatives to facilitate access to employment for people with disabilities or minorities. Ensuring that recruitment processes are free of implicit bias and offer equal opportunities to all candidates is critical to building a truly inclusive work environment. In this respect, artificial intelligence can also provide valuable support, and we will explore this in more detail in the next section.
AI can help reduce unconscious bias during recruitment in several ways:
1. Objective data analysis: AI can analyze candidate data objectively, assessing qualifications and skills without being influenced by factors such as name, age, gender, or ethnicity.
2. Improved job descriptions: AI algorithms can be used to write or edit job descriptions so that they are gender-neutral and free of language that might deter certain applicant groups.
3. Screening of candidates: Using predetermined criteria and algorithms, AI can select candidates based solely on their skills and experience, reducing the possibility of human bias.
4. AI guided interviews: AI can be used to conduct initial interviews, evaluating candidates' responses in an unbiased manner.
5. Learning and adaptation: AI algorithms can learn and adapt over time to continuously improve the effectiveness of recruitment processes and further reduce bias.
It is important to note that while AI can significantly help reduce bias, it is not a perfect solution. Algorithms can have their own biases, often based on the data they are trained on. Therefore, it is critical to regularly monitor and adjust these systems to ensure that they are fair and inclusive.
Achieving an inclusive work environment requires commitment at all levels of the organization. This means promoting inclusive leadership, where leaders act as role models (role modeling) by actively promoting values of diversity and inclusion. It is also important to encourage employee feedback and involvement in the inclusion process, listening to their experiences and ideas to continuously improve the work environment.
Companies today face unique challenges in managing diversity, especially in multicultural settings. Understanding and acceptance of different cultures, languages, and backgrounds are essential. In addition, technological developments offer new opportunities to promote inclusiveness, such as the use of software to reduce bias in recruitment processes and to facilitate communication in diverse work environments.
To evaluate the effectiveness of inclusiveness policies, it is essential to have indicators and metrics of success. These can include monitoring progress in employee diversity, analyzing employee engagement and well-being, and studying the impact of these policies on company performance. Collecting regular feedback and case studies can provide valuable data to continually refine inclusion strategies.
Finally, inclusiveness should be seen as an integral part of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Inclusive policies not only have a positive impact on employees and the company, but also contribute to the well-being of society as a whole. Considering the social and environmental impact of inclusive policies reinforces the company's role as a responsible actor committed to building a more equitable and sustainable future.
In conclusion, achieving work inclusion in the company is not just an ethical goal, but a winning strategy that brings tangible benefits. Every company can begin this journey by implementing inclusive policies, promoting diversity and training, and creating a work environment that reflects the values of inclusiveness.
In addition to those already discussed above, we highlight two other possible innovative approaches that can bring significant benefits in terms of inclusiveness, such as creating internal support networks for minority groups, encouraging the sharing of experiences and ideas, and implementing reverse mentoring programs, where young employees guide more experienced leaders on issues of inclusiveness and diversity.
These actions are just the beginning of a journey toward a truly inclusive work environment where every person can feel valued and integral to the company's success.
In a world where the boundary between the work sphere and the private sphere seems increasingly blurred, the New Yorker's first cover of 2024 comes across as a powerful visual metaphor for this reality. The cover, which has kicked off an intense discussion on Social in recent days, is titled Deadline and is signed by an Italian artist, Bianca Bagnarelli. It portrays a woman working at night, while outside the window can be seen New Year's Eve fireworks. Important moments that pass inexorably while we are busy working and fulfilling our commitments.
The author's words perfectly sum up the profound meaning of this work, "I often work during the holidays. At first I think I'm taking advantage of scraps of time from moments when the rest of the world stops, but then I also realize I'm missing out on the fun and so it remains a bittersweet feeling."
The deadlines in which we are all immersed and which inevitably affect us are an invisible cage mediated by technology: by the smartphone that alerts us to the arrival of a Whatsapp voicemail that we will have to respond to or a new e-mail that does not bode well.
The protagonist's gaze, illuminated only by the light of the screen, is outwardly fixed and seems to prompt us to reflect on the complex relationship we all have with deadlines and the commitments we have to make. The young woman is evidently bright, utterly dignified, yet seems torn on the one hand by the lure of "real life" and the fear of missing out on something, and on the other by the need to meet deadlines.
Modern life often demands a constant and intensive commitment to work, at the expense of time devoted to ourselves, our hobbies and passions. The challenge lies in finding that balance that allows us to be productive and fulfilled at work, while still allowing ourselves breathing space and joy in our personal lives. We live in an age of constant connectedness and ever-higher work expectations. This can lead to a feeling of constantly falling behind on our commitments, both work-related and personal. However, it is crucial to remember the importance of balancing these two aspects of our lives for our overall well-being.
The concept of Work-Life Balance refers to the search for a harmonious symbiosis between professional responsibilities and personal activities, a challenge that many people face on a daily basis. In an age of hectic pace and increasingly blending work-life boundaries, especially with the advent of remote working, this balancing becomes a crucial aspect of individual well-being.
Balancing life and work means allocating time, energy and resources equitably between different areas of life. It is not just a simple division of hours between office and home, but a more holistic approach that considers:
Quality time: devoting meaningful time to family, friends, and personally enriching activities;
Rest and recreation: ensure adequate periods of rest and detachment from work to recharge physical and mental energy;
Personal development: invest time in hobbies, learning and personal growth outside the work environment.
A failure to balance in this respect can have deleterious effects, from stress to a sense of perpetual dissatisfaction, from burnout to a decline in personal relationships, to other physical and psychological problems that are increasingly being reflected on in recent years.
In the digital age, advanced technologies and connectivity have revolutionized the way we work and live, offering new opportunities to achieve a better balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.
Digitization has introduced a wide range of communication and collaboration tools that make remote work more efficient and viable. Platforms such as Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams allow teams to stay connected and collaborate in real time, regardless of their physical location. This is especially important for workers who have families or personal commitments, as they can reduce or eliminate commuting time, gaining valuable hours to devote to other activities.
Mobile technologies such as smartphones and tablets, along with the increasing availability of high-speed Internet connections, have made working from anywhere a practical reality. This flexibility means that employees can manage work to better fit their personal schedules, making it easier to balance work deadlines with personal commitments, such as child care or appointment management.
Digital tools also offer solutions for automating repetitive and administrative tasks, freeing up valuable time that can be spent on more rewarding activities both at work and in personal life. Project management software, automated planning tools and artificial intelligence systems help streamline work processes, reducing workload and stress.
New technologies also offer tools dedicated to personal wellness. Apps for meditation, exercise, and sleep monitoring are easily accessible and can help employees maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage stress. These tools can help create a balanced daily routine by integrating moments of relaxation and physical activity into the workday.
Businesses play a crucial role in facilitating this balancing act. They can take several initiatives, such as:
Flexible work schedules: Flexible work schedules are one of the most effective initiatives that companies can take to promote a work-life balance. This policy allows employees to adjust their work schedules according to personal needs, promoting a more humane work environment that respects different individual realities.
Remote work policies: Remote work is another crucial strategy to support work-life balance. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have discovered the benefits of telecommuting.
Wellness support programs: Well-being support programs focus on improving the mental and physical health of employees, a key aspect of maintaining work-life balance.
Of the effects on people we have already discussed, but what benefits do companies enjoy whose employees manage to have a proper work-life balance?
The link between work-life balance and increased productivity has been the subject of numerous studies. Workers who can effectively balance professional and personal commitments tend to be more motivated and focused when they are at work. This is because a good balance allows them to get adequate rest, reducing the risk of exhaustion and enabling them to meet work challenges with greater energy. In addition, the feeling of being supported by the company in terms of flexibility and well-being contributes to an increased sense of loyalty and commitment to the organization. According to some reports, companies that promote work-life balance practices can experience an increase in productivity of up to 21 percent (Corporate Executive Board).
Absenteeism, often linked to physical and mental health problems due to stress and work overload, is a significant cost to companies. A good work-life balance can greatly reduce these problems. Workers who have sufficient time for recovery and stress management tend to be less prone to illness and burnout. This translates into a reduction in health-related absenteeism. According to some research, work-life balance policies can lead to a decrease in absenteeism of up to 27 percent (International Journal of Health & Productivity), representing a benefit not only for employees but also for the company's operational efficiency.
An often underestimated but critically important aspect is the impact of these policies on corporate climate. A work environment that respects and supports employees' work-life balance tends to be characterized by a greater sense of satisfaction and belonging. Employees feel valued and understood, which stimulates greater commitment and loyalty to the organization. This positive climate is reflected not only in the daily atmosphere but also in long-term results, such as reduced turnover and the attraction of top talent.
Work-life balance is more than just an aspiration: it is a necessity for a healthy and satisfying life that can bring beneficial effects to individuals and companies. Inspired by the cover of the New Yorker from which we started, we can conclude that a better balance today is possible, thanks to new technologies and a renewed awareness of this issue on the part of both companies and workers, who are increasingly aware of the value of their time.
Design Thinking, an innovative methodology, has revolutionized the approach to innovation. This article explores its history, fundamental principles and business applications, showing how it has become a key driver of entrepreneurial success.
Born in the 1960s at Stanford, Design Thinking emerged as a response to the need to address complex problems with innovative solutions. Its evolution over time has influenced several disciplines, from a design-centered approach to a philosophy that places the user at the center of the creative process.
Design Thinking has been shaped by prominent creative minds:
Design Thinking offers tangible benefits in business dynamics:
Design Thinking successfully translates into concrete results in several companies:
Design Thinking is an engine of innovation that goes beyond problem solving. Its history, led by brilliant minds, and its business applications prove that it is not just an approach, but a philosophy that turns challenges into opportunities. In the age of innovation, embracing Design Thinking is not just a choice, but an imperative for success-oriented companies.
Open Innovation is a business philosophy that has taken a central role in the evolution of innovation strategies. In this article, we will explore in detail what is meant by Open Innovation, focusing on its pivotal role in breaking down traditional barriers to innovation and opening the door to a wide network of external contributions.
Open Innovation goes beyond the concept of closed innovation, which traditionally relies on the internal development of company ideas. Instead, Open Innovation is based on the premise that companies can benefit from external sources by incorporating ideas, skills, and resources from diverse sources. This approach involves active collaboration with external partners, such as universities, start-ups, and other companies, to take advantage of the diversity of perspectives and expertise.
The essence of Open Innovation lies in the realization that no organization, regardless of its size or expertise, can have a monopoly on all relevant knowledge. Instead of limiting itself to internal resources and ideas, the company embraces the open mindset, allowing access to a wide range of external expertise and resources.
Varied Source of Ideas: The company can tap into innovative ideas from a wide network of external collaborators.
Reduced R&D Costs: Sharing resources can lead to a significant reduction in R&D costs.
Acceleration of Time-to-Market: Adoption of external solutions can speed up the development and commercialization process.
In Italy, the Open Innovation approach has become particularly relevant among SMEs. These companies are increasingly collaborating with start-ups and research centers to overcome challenges and access new market opportunities. The flexibility of SMEs lends itself particularly well to this approach, enabling them to adapt quickly to market dynamics.
At the European level, projects such as Horizon 2020 have catalyzed collaboration between companies, academic institutions and research organizations. This initiative has fostered the development of innovative solutions in key areas such as sustainable energy, health and advanced technology.
Open Innovation stands as a crucial engine for business innovation, promoting idea sharing and cross-border collaboration. Openness to external innovation is not just a strategic choice, but a necessity for businesses that want to thrive in a rapidly changing environment. The use cases illustrated in this article clearly demonstrate that Open Innovation is not just a theory, but a successful practice that is tangibly transforming companies, improving competitiveness and creating lasting value. Investing in Open Innovation is not just an investment in the future, but a key step in building a more innovative and sustainable present.
Software development has undergone a momentous transformation with the advent of methodologies such as Agile and Scrum. This article will explore in depth the present and future of software development in terms of Agile and Scrum methodologies, highlighting their impact on companies and evolutionary perspectives.
Agile and Scrum represent fundamental software development philosophies. Agile, with its iterative and incremental approach, aims to respond quickly to change and maximize customer value. At the same time, Scrum provides a structured framework with well-defined roles, key events such as Sprint, Daily Scrum, and artifacts such as the Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog.
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Implementing Agile and Scrum results in several business benefits. These methodologies optimize flexibility, enabling companies to adapt quickly to market changes. They also improve communication and collaboration among team members, encouraging transparency and collective responsibility. The practical applications of Agile and Scrum extend beyond software development, finding their way into marketing, project management, and business operations.
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Despite the benefits, adopting Agile and Scrum can be challenging. Major challenges include the need for deep cultural change within the company, managing stakeholder expectations, and resistance to change by some team members. In addition, the transition to Agile methodologies requires a period of adaptation and learning that may temporarily slow productivity.
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Agile and Scrum are a key pillar in software and business development transformation. Their implementation has proven to streamline processes, improve collaboration and increase business flexibility. Looking ahead, these methodologies will continue to play a crucial role in evolving the way companies develop software and address market changes.
The advent of Cloud Computing has dragged enterprises into an era of profound transformation. Business innovation has found an unprecedented fulcrum in the flexibility, accessibility and power of the Cloud. This article will explore in detail how this technology is redefining not only the IT infrastructure, but the entire modus operandi of modern businesses.
Cloud Computing is more than just a technology; it is a dynamic ecosystem that revolutionizes the way companies conceive of and use computing resources. It goes beyond data storage and management, offering a flexible and scalable paradigm. From service models such as SaaS, PaaS and IaaS to virtualization, this chapter explores the fundamental pillars of the Cloud and its impact on business strategies.
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Cloud transformation is not limited to simply optimizing operations. It extends to the very heart of business innovation. This chapter will examine how the Cloud, with its flexibility and agility, has become a catalyst for innovation, enabling enterprises not only to compete, but to drive change in an increasingly digital and competitive landscape.
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Cloud integration requires more than just data and process migration. This chapter will focus on key strategies for successful Cloud adoption within organizations. From assessing existing infrastructure to managing cultural change, we will explore best practices and common challenges encountered during the implementation process.
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Cloud computing turns out to be more than just a technology solution; it is an engine of business transformation. Its smart adoption not only streamlines day-to-day operations, but also fuels innovation and paves the way for a bolder, more competitive business future. This article will explore how this revolution is redefining the business landscape, opening new horizons and taking innovation to an unprecedented level.
CyberActa consortium of companies now offers a framework and platform to accelerate and maximize drug development with the use of Artificial Intelligence
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, USA, October 25, 2023
The teams at Veridat, CyberActa, Sensoworks, and Frontiere are pleased to announce a framework that addresses the high failure rate of Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to secure regulatory approval. Machine and deep learning are powerful drivers of our current digital revolution and offer incredible value in making predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing real or virtual environments. AI/ML-based medical systems can be purely software-based, acting in the virtual world (e.g., image analysis software) or they can be embedded in hardware devices (e.g., advanced surgical robotics or Internet of Medical Things applications). Trust is the key to the widespread adoption and success of AI. It is for this reason that AI products must adhere to the highest standards of ethics and prevailing regulations.
Veridat’s Chief Technology Advisor, Professor, and lead author of the textbook Introduction to Medical Software: Foundations for Digital Health, Devices and Diagnostics (Cambridge University Press 2022), Xenios Papademetris, Ph.D., explained that “unlike traditional techniques which rely on explicit modeling and understanding of data, modern AI/ML methods using deep learning can learn such models directly from prior measurements and extract more complex relationships that are almost impossible to construct/design manually. However, given the critical importance of the input data, pharmaceutical manufacturers need to have rigorous processes in place to ensure that the data is appropriately gathered, audited, and managed to ensure that the final result — whether an algorithm that is used to diagnose patients, or a model that is used to guide the drug discovery process – is free from overlearning and bias and that the whole process can be audited for quality and data provenance."
Our strategic collaboration is a bold declaration that the future of drug development lies at the intersection of technology, regulatory insight, and the transformative potential of IoT.”
— Niccolò De Carlo, CEO, Sensoworks S.R.L.
Associated solutions often fail to secure regulatory approval, when real-time adaptations in medical systems may challenge ‘static’ regulatory assessments, inspections, and audits. In many instances, AI/ML solutions are developed first, and regulatory aspects are only considered as a second step when compliance with regulatory agencies emerges as a major challenge. The product development process would benefit from including regulatory aspects from the start. “The partnership brings together the best in business and technology strategy, AI/ML development and regulatory compliance, and organizational change management to support drug developers through successful transformations to Industrial IoT as is customary to Frontiere”, said Alfredo Adamo, Frontiere, CEO.
The four companies bring together all the necessary expertise for a framework simplifying the AI-assisted drug development efforts: Integration of regulatory work into development improves outcomes (CyberActa), that are rendered immutable (Veridat). These immutable outcomes are built on personalized cutting-edge AI/ML tools (Frontiere), and on intelligent structural monitoring platforms (Sensoworks). This framework is led by a team of people with extensive experience in drug development, manufacturing, and oversight. The framework for Human-led governance, immutability, and transparency: regulated and personalized cutting-edge AI/ML development applied to healthcare and drug development can be found here.
“Regulatory aspects built-in by design into AI systems and devices can help bring therapeutic solutions closer to the patient quicker and more efficiently.” Dr Remco Foppen, Biotech Business Advisor, at Frontiere
"As the CEO of Sensoworks, I am proud to witness the Cyberacta consortium's unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. Our strategic collaboration is more than just a partnership; it's a bold declaration that the future of drug development lies at the intersection of cutting-edge technology, regulatory insight, and the transformative potential of IoT. Together, we are pioneering a new era where the power of Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) harmonize with regulatory expertise to pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. Our shared vision is not just about providing a framework; it's about rewriting the very narrative of drug development, ensuring that every regulatory response becomes a stepping stone towards a healthier, brighter future, where IoT-enabled data streams enhance the precision and efficiency of our endeavors." said Niccolò De Carlo CEO at Sensoworks
“The ability of AI models and tools to process substantial volumes of data, and rapidly identify patterns where human researchers might take months or be unable to, makes it a potentially transformational technology for pharmaceutical development. Either through the development of new drugs, or the repurposing of existing ones, the technology could reduce the investment required to bring a drug to market; and bring personalized medicine closer to becoming a reality,” said John Giantsidis, CyberActa, President. “Nevertheless, the technology should not be viewed as a form of magic or as something that creates sentient machines capable of self-improvement and independent decisions. It is akin to other technologies: humans instruct a model or tool and use the outputs to inform, assist or augment a range of activities”
About Sensoworks:
Sensoworks is a highly innovative software company that uses the most advanced technologies to monitor, predict, and control complex data from different sources in real time. Sensoworks is a centralized and integrated Internet of Things (IoT) solution that collects, analyzes, and distributes data from various devices and sensors. Driven by advances in IoT, we adopt federated learning as a machine learning technique, to release data and drive discovery at the edge while predicting the objects’ needs and lifecycle. Our solution is applied to smart cities (waste management, smart parking, smart lighting), civil infrastructures, smart buildings, and asset management. For further information on innovative end-to-end software solutions for intelligent monitoring, visit https://www.sensoworks.com/ or
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sensoworks/.
Additional information on Sensoworks:
Niccolò De Carlo
Sensoworks S.R.L.
+39 393-918-8654
niccolo.decarlo@sensoworks.com
About Frontiere:
Frontiere is a network of enterprises that was born with the aim of creating an ethical and sustainable ecosystem of open innovation. Frontiere helps companies become more agile, intelligent, and competitive in the digital age, allowing them to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by digital transformation, reducing the time to access new technologies and achieve long-term success. New humanism, sustainability, and accessibility are Frontiere’s founding elements, with a focus on a valuable Digital Experience that combines aesthetic and design elements typical of solutions ‘Made in Italy’. We create long-term partnerships with companies, aiming to provide innovative, high-quality solutions that meet their specific needs, using cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. We promote social and sustainable innovation, supporting initiatives and projects that aim to improve people's quality of life and address global challenges such as climate change and inequality.
Learn more at https://frontiere.io/ and
https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontiere.io/.
Additional information on Frontiere:
Noemi Adamo
CXO, Frontiere
+39 347 2256852
noemi.adamo@frontiere.io
About CyberActa:
CyberActa is a leading provider of data-driven digital, regulatory, cyber, and privacy solutions. The company's products and services are used by Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and startups around the world. CyberActa is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts.
Additional information about CyberActa, Inc., can be found at https://cyberacta.com/ and
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cyberacta/.
Sam Riley, JD, CIPP/US, CIPP/E
CyberActa, Inc.
+1 804-815-7638
sam.riley@cyberacta.com
LinkedIn
About Veridat:
Veridat is Driven by TrustTM. Our platform captures and verifies every step of a digital workflow - End-to-End. It offers a total solution that can be tailored for any company, any industry, anywhere. Our objective is to help clients build and expand their business in response to a changing environment, reduce risk in the face of growing complexity, and improve the processes and systems that protect brands, build trust, and add business value. The end goal is for trust and business performance to be one and the same – inextricably linked by a strategy, culture, and operating model that drives brand performance.
Learn more at www.veridat.io and please follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/veridat/.
Any inquiries about Veridat can be directed to:
Moira Van Staaden
Co-Founder & Government Affairs
moira@veridat.io
