AI THE NEW DISRUPTOR FOR GOVERNMENTS

By Lumka Oliphant 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising industries and governments, with experts like David Furlonger calling it the most significant disruptor since the internet.
• Governments risk falling behind if they fail to adopt AI proactively, as it reshapes tax systems, enhances planning, and offers solutions for social services, such as grant distribution.
• The rapid rise of AI demands updated regulations and strategies, particularly in human resources and governance, to address its integration alongside human-centred systems.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was the focal point of discussions at the Gartner CIO and Executive Conference in Dubai, where experts identified it as a major disruptor of global business and warned governments against ignoring its transformative potential. David Furlonger, Gartner’s Distinguished Vice President and Fellow, described AI as the largest disruptor since the internet, cautioning, “If companies and governments don’t care about it, those who care will do it.”

Furlonger emphasised that AI is already reshaping various sectors. He highlighted Canada’s pilot programme testing an AI-based taxation filing system to simplify the tax process for citizens. This initiative, he explained, demonstrates how governments can stay ahead of their citizens’ needs while preventing misuse of technology, such as tax evasion. He urged governments to adopt AI proactively to protect resources and enhance planning, warning that ignoring AI’s potential as an enabler will leave a vacuum for others to exploit.

Using an analogy from football management, including Mamelodi Sundowns as an example, Furlonger illustrated how AI could revolutionise even seemingly traditional activities. “With AI tools, one can study players’ strategies, injuries, and performance from anywhere in the world to build the best team,” he noted.

Bringing the discussion closer to social development, Furlonger suggested that AI could transform processes such as disbursing social grants. However, he acknowledged that this requires stable infrastructure, including reliable electricity, and investment in education to collect and utilise data effectively for better planning.

Referring to AI as a “change in kind,” Furlonger called on organisations and governments to rethink how they operate. He stressed that human resource practitioners must adapt to this paradigm shift by reconsidering employment laws, as AI agents begin to take over tasks traditionally performed by humans. “Every rule and regulation has been created with humans in mind. This focus must expand to include AI systems, or we risk significant challenges,” he cautioned.

Furlonger underscored the importance of prioritising AI regulation, describing it as a powerful algorithm that requires governance.

The Gartner Conference, a gathering of CIOs and IT leaders, provided a platform to explore transformative opportunities in technology. Experts offered insights into the future of IT, focusing on trends such as business transformation, application modernisation, and infrastructure optimisation. The event showcased real-world examples and best practices to guide organisations in defining and executing their IT strategies, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.