The Vice-President of the Regional Government, Artur Lima, chaired the opening session of the “AI & Business” event, which took place at NONAGON – São Miguel Science and Technology Park, in Lagoa.

According to the press release sent to the editorial office, the event brought together companies, experts, researchers, and decision-makers to discuss the advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its implications for the business sector.

“It is events like this that demonstrate that we are evolving at a dizzying speed, and that not keeping up will cause us to miss the boat,” emphasized the Vice President of the Government.

In this regard, Artur Lima stressed that the Regional Government is making efforts to ensure that the entire region keeps pace with the digital transition, through profound reforms in regional IT systems, as well as promoting increased connectivity between the Azores and the world.

“Technology is no longer a tool but has become a strategic partner in the way we think, work, and create value,” said the government official, adding that “Artificial Intelligence is at the heart of this transformation, changing the way companies understand and interact with their customers, optimize processes, and make decisions.”

However, the Vice President stressed that Artificial Intelligence “does not replace, nor should it ever replace, human vision.”

The role of this technology “is to enhance human strategy, creativity, and ethics, freeing up time and resources to innovate, solve complex problems, and create value,” he emphasized.

Considering the current context marked by growing technological disruption, Artur Lima also noted that the companies of the future will be those capable of combining the power of data, AI technology, and human sensitivity, achieving efficiency gains and agility to adapt to constantly changing markets.

“Today we have the opportunity and responsibility to use this technology as a catalyst for economic, social, and environmental progress,” he emphasized.

During his speech, the Vice President of the Government also expressed his confidence that the event will strengthen the relationships of those present with new AI methods and techniques.

“Let’s take advantage of this moment to build smarter, more humane, and more future-ready companies, because it is important to anticipate, train, and empower so that we can act and converge,” concluded Artur Lima.

The “AI & Business” event, organized by Nonagon – São Miguel Science and Technology Park, is part of the “Capacitação e Transformação Digital das Empresas nos Açores (C16-i05-RAA)” (Training and Digital Transformation of Companies in the Azores) project of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).

In Correio dos Açores, Natalino Viveiros-director.

Translated into English as a community outreach program by the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL), in collaboration with Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno. PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.