NTIF Malmö 2024
AI Hype and Real-World Challenges
Rob’s session at NTIF brought together a diverse group of language industry professionals, sparking dialogue on what innovation truly means.
To ground the concept, Rob offered this definition: innovation combines two known factors to create something new.
He shared a few examples:
- Sustainability and dining: Nøgen, a Danish restaurant, creates sustainable menus by purchasing food that would otherwise go to waste, turning potential problems into opportunities.
- Digital meets analogue: The Remarkable2 tablet enables digital handwriting, proving that traditional methods still have relevance in the digital age.
- Social media and blockchain: Bluesky, a new media platform gaining traction, is built on a blockchain-inspired philosophy of distributed ledgers, allowing users to retain control over their data.
The workshop fostered wide-ranging discussions, touching on the importance of:
- Open workplace culture: Creating an environment where new ideas are welcome, even if not all are implemented.
- Listening to customers: The disconnect between supply chains and buyers was a recurring theme, with consensus that the industry must focus more on customer needs.
- Balancing innovation and stability: While “the crazy ones” spark change, sustainable success depends on professionals ensuring daily operations run smoothly.
A humorous tangent about walking backwards reminded everyone of the importance of not just discussing ideas but acting on them – “walk the talk.”
Rob summed up the session by noting that we’re all in the process of reinventing ourselves, both personally and professionally. The challenges of the AI Age are immense, but so are the opportunities.
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Highlights from Rob’s Innovation Workshop
Across the forum, one theme emerged repeatedly: the language industry is gaining global attention, with translation AI peaking in Google search trends.
Panels explored:
- The pace of innovation: Hundreds of AI startups launched in the past 24 months, with translation increasingly embedded in products.
- The reality of AI adoption: While the hype around AI is heightening expectations, businesses are still a way off from operationalising these technologies.
- The human touch: Discussions emphasized hybrid intelligence, where humans remain in the loop to ensure quality and relevance – another example of innovation combining two known entities: tech + humans!
Anne-Marie Colliander Lind posed the question:“Has the tech become over-geared?”, encapsulating the balance the industry must strike between overcomplicating workflows and meeting client needs.
A Meeting of Minds
NTIF 2024 was more than a conference – it was a meeting of minds, a platform for dialogue, and a testament to the dynamism of the language industry. From panels exploring the danger of “digital dictators” in AI to Rob’s workshop emphasising collaboration and customer focus, the event underscored the importance of staying adaptable in a constantly changing landscape.
As Rob said, “Innovation isn’t just about creating new tools. It’s about listening, learning, and being willing to embrace the challenges of change.”
Want to Continue the Conversation?
If you’re curious about the insights shared at NTIF* or want to explore the opportunities of the AI Age, Rob would love to hear from you. Get in touch to keep the dialogue going.
