CIO/AI Roundtable: AI Innovation – Beyond Proof of Concept

Data & AI in Core Value Creation as Tomorrow's Competitive Advantage – Boards & Executive Leadership are Called to Take Responsibility

Artificial Intelligence presents companies with significant challenges and puts existing business models under pressure. The availability and quality of relevant data, target-oriented IT structures, and security requirements are obstacles to successful AI transformation – and often reasons why AI projects fail.

AI initiatives are often launched and tested outside the core value creation of companies, and those responsible are then disappointed when the great success does not materialize. The decentralized control of projects too often leads to capacity and prioritization problems and delays successful implementation.

What is needed for the successful use of AI? And how do I bring people along in this transformation?

Under the guidance of François Rüf, we discussed solutions and experiences at two Future Leadership Events. Each event had 12 CIOs from global and national companies across various industries sharing their experiences.

Conclusion

Companies that early on focus on strong data strategies, business focus, and human-oriented approaches will remain competitive in the long term. A key success factor is comprehensive stakeholder management that convinces all parties of the necessity and benefits of AI transformation.

The targeted use of AI in a company's core value creation will enhance performance and make business processes more efficient.

Boards and Executive Leadership must prioritize the topic and thereby lend the AI leaders the necessary credibility. Besides the necessary resources, it requires perseverance and understanding to take people along on this 'journey.' AI innovation & transformation should not be mere lip service.

Data as Game Changer

François Rüf

Head of AI | Geberit

"The focus of AI initiatives must be on transforming core value creation processes. As with computing, the costs for AI technologies will soon be negligible. What will be decisive is data management, which will become the basis for a company's competitiveness. Successful are those companies that understand how to include people in the transformation and establish co-creation as a central element for future work."

High-Level Discussions!

Roland Schmid

Global Head IT Corporate Functions | Syngenta

"The CIO roundtable was a thoroughly successful event that will be remembered. François Rüf managed to clearly and practically address the topic of AI - entirely without the usual hype, in a refreshingly interactive and entertaining way. I particularly appreciated the small, personal setting, which was ideal for engaging discussions and open exchanges with like-minded individuals. A big thank you to Viavanta for this inspiring and well-organized event."

Roberto Fedele

CIO | Manor

"François Rüf's presentations highlighted where the journey is heading and which priorities need to be set. The discussion with other CIOs provided an exciting insight into the challenges and solutions of other companies. It is clear that without the necessary support from the executive management, there will be no successful transformation. The CIO roundtable was a very inspiring event. Thank you for this great event."

The Essentials - Take Outs

How can a company achieve genuine innovation and long-term business success with AI? We have summarized the key statements and insights from the two events.

AI Readiness: Data as a Key Resource

The biggest hurdle for AI is the availability and quality of data. Companies often fail due to inadequate data structures, decentralized data landscapes, or the tension between data protection and data access. Setting the right foundation for AI must be a top priority.

Top-Down Approach

The executive leadership and board must understand the importance of data and AI and provide the necessary resources. A clear prioritization and vision from the top are essential. Positioning AI responsibility at the highest level makes sense.

Central or Decentralized

Central approaches are especially sensible when a strong overarching strategy is required and data is seen as an enterprise-wide resource. Decentralization brings advantages when use cases are closely aligned with business needs and quick, practical solutions are desired. The choice of the right approach ultimately depends on company culture, data availability, and strategic priorities.

Acceptance and Benefit

The human factor should not be underestimated. Employees often meet changes driven by AI with skepticism. Supervisors must actively help reduce fears by demonstrating the benefits of AI and involving their teams. Use cases should therefore always have a direct benefit for the business and promote co-creation (HI & AI).

Stakeholder Management

Building on clear data and tangible results can overcome reservations and spark enthusiasm for AI. Broad alliances at the C-Level are the key to AI success. These can only be achieved through extensive information and persuasive work. A good reputation of the responsible person strengthens trust and credibility.

AI - THE Next Big Step!

Sandro Eggimann

Partner | Viavanta

"Artificial Intelligence represents the next big step in digitization. Companies that manage not only to ensure high data quality but also have the courage to use AI directly in their core value creation can gain a sustainable competitive advantage. AI triggers the entrepreneurial spirit in the organization. Those who show this pioneering spirit will be able to realize the full potential of the technology and drive long-term innovations."

Thomas Suter

Managing Partner | Viavanta

"The corporate impact will be enormous and will question entire business models. Boards and Executive Leadership are challenged to prioritize the issue correctly and ensure the necessary resources and competence. With the establishment of co-creation in the company, it will be possible to activate the full potential of employees."

AI - Next Level

The next Future Leadership Events will take place in Fall 2025.