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By Kunal Guha, Editor-in-Chief
In a captivating and insightful dialogue, Kunal Guha, Editor-in-Chief of Global Business Line, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, a visionary leader and influential figure in the realm of technology and innovation. The discourse delves into the profound impact of invasive technologies on our lives, the shifting landscape of industries, the future of AI and data privacy, the evolving startup ecosystem, and the promising trajectory of India’s economic growth.
Unveiling Waves of Transformative Technologies
Mr. Gopalakrishnan emphasizes the recurring pattern of transformative technologies that have had far-reaching implications across industries and societies. Reflecting on the rapid proliferation of mobile phones, he draws parallels to the introduction of the iPhone in 2008, which catalyzed the smartphone revolution. Similarly, he underscores the internet’s significance since its inception in 1994, and how these horizontal technologies reshape entire sectors and global populations. The advent of generative AI, exemplified by GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) models, is another instance of such a wave currently reshaping the technological landscape.
Navigating the Industry 4.0 Mindset Shift
Regarding the paradigm shift brought about by Industry 4.0, Mr. Gopalakrishnan differentiates between consumer-centric and business-to-business (B2B) technologies. While Industry 4.0 automates and integrates supply chains, he elucidates that consumer-focused technologies wield even greater influence. The impact of innovations on consumers is magnified, driving significant societal changes. As the conversation turns to data privacy legislation, Mr. Gopalakrishnan applauds the introduction of privacy bills that outline data collection, storage, and usage policies, fostering trust among consumers.
Startups: Data-Driven and Future-Ready
Discussing the impact of data privacy on startups, Mr. Gopalakrishnan believes that privacy bills will provide startups with a sense of assurance, enabling them to collect and use data more confidently. He highlights the integral role of data for startups and their ability to innovate, underscoring the importance of data-driven decisions. In this context, he notes the tremendous growth of startups in India, attributing this growth to a supportive ecosystem and the country’s vibrant entrepreneurial culture.
AI’s Influence on Daily Life and Business
Shifting the focus to AI’s influence on daily life, the discussion touches upon AI applications like eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) and their contribution to ease of living. Mr. Gopalakrishnan predicts that similar ease will extend to the ease of doing business, attributing it to continuous improvement in the startup ecosystem. He is optimistic about India’s startup landscape, acknowledging the country’s potential to become a developed economy fueled by innovative startups.
Navigating Startup Challenges
Reflecting on the evolution of startups, Mr. Gopalakrishnan highlights the profound transformation in the startup ecosystem since its inception. Comparing the challenging scenario of 1981 to the present, he stresses that companies must prioritize growth, profitability, and attracting investors. The evolving landscape demands a holistic approach, considering both short-term setbacks and long-term growth potential.
The Road Ahead: Optimism and Innovation
As the conversation draws to a close, Mr. Gopalakrishnan expresses his unwavering optimism about India’s economic future. He anticipates global economic recovery, a resurgence in various sectors such as infrastructure and automotive, and India’s transition to a developed economy. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed country, he confidently asserts that India’s journey toward becoming a $30 trillion economy in the next 25 years is not just a possibility but a promising reality.
In this insightful dialogue, Kunal Guha and Kris Gopalakrishnan unravel the profound impact of waves of innovation, charting the course for a technologically vibrant, economically robust, and innovation-driven future for India and the world.
