Harnessing AI for competitive advantage: Conference in Aarhus to give companies a digital edge

Aarhus will be the hub for artificial intelligence and digitalization when a major AI conference takes place on 6 March at INCUBA Next. The conference, held in collaboration with the AI Competence Pact, Digital Dogme and Co-Coders, brings together some of the most prominent voices in AI and digitalization to give Danish companies a strategic advantage in the technological transition.

“AI can help streamline processes, generate new material and provide decision support for employees, so that we humans can focus on what we are good at – using human intuition, getting new ideas and providing human connection. AI is not here to replace us humans, but to make us better,” says Lise Lystlund, CEO and co-founder of Co-Coders.

Lise Lystlund believes that the companies that dare to take the lead, be curious and explore responsible use of AI will also be at the forefront of reaping the value.

“For some companies the goal will be to provide better service, for others it will be efficiency, higher quality or something else entirely. What they all have in common is that AI can help unlock that potential,” she says.

A regional flagship is launched

At the conference, a new flagship project will be launched to make East Jutland a regional hub for AI upskilling. The aim is to create flexible learning paths and strong knowledge communities where both large and small companies and public organizations can access AI skills and tools.

“We all hear about AI in the media, but for many the concept is still diffuse and complex. With an initiative that is both broad and locally rooted, we’re creating a platform for dialogues across organizations, disciplines and between like-minded people. The aim is to open up conversations that can help demystify and create a common understanding of AI,” explains Lise Lystlund.

The collaboration involves Aarhus Municipality, Erhverv Aarhus, the Confederation of Danish Industry, Business Forum Silkeborg and tech company Stibo, among others.

A common language is needed

Speakers at the conference include Minister for Digitalization Caroline Stage Olsen, Microsoft Denmark CEO Mette Louise Kaagaard and Professor of Cybersecurity Jens Myrup Pedersen. They will provide insight into how companies – both small and medium-sized – can harness the potential of AI without breaking the budget and how best to train employees for a digital future.

Denmark is facing a global race for digitalization, and AI plays a crucial role in how Danish companies can maintain their competitiveness. The conference will therefore focus on concrete experiences with AI implementation and upskilling, so both private and public organizations can take the first steps towards an AI-driven future.

“The hope is that the conference can be the starting point for a common dialog about what AI is and how we can work together to create AI solutions with value for both business and society. Through a common understanding of AI, we can develop a common language so that we can discuss common opportunities and ultimately create common results that strengthen the local business community,” says Lise Lystlund.