Data drives innovation: Insights from HARVEST
From our blog / Article
At HARVEST, over 180 leaders and experts came together to discuss the future of data, AI, and security. The event featured keynotes, case studies, and discussions that highlighted data as the foundation of today’s innovations, including AI.
In 2017, The Economist declared data more valuable than oil. Seven years later, the rise of AI has made data even more critical, introducing countless new applications.
HARVEST opened with a co-keynote from Teemu Vidgren, COO of Microsoft Finland, and Pekka Horo, CEO of Reaktor. Horo emphasized that data surrounds us and shapes our daily lives in more ways than we recognize.Vidgren agreed, noting how even the logic of company growth is changed – AI has enabled Microsoft Finland to hit growth targets without increasing staff. This is not efficiency at any cost, as surveys show that AI has improved the sense of meaningfulness at work by 20%.
Key Themes from HARVEST:
- Empowering people to use data
- Practical applications of data in AI
- Leading the next phase of data transformation
People empowerment
The value of data lies in solving human problems. That is why access to data is such a crucial component of utilizing it effectively.
At KONE, 1,200 algorithms and growing data sources are used to power solutions like AI, benefiting everyone from executives to maintenance workers.
Santen, a leading eye care company, partnered with Brightly to build an AI-driven tool that allows regulatory specialists to ask plain-language questions and get accurate, reference-backed answers from thousands of documents, without hallucinations.
Practical applications of Data
As data maturity increases, now is the time for organizations to create value with real-world solutions.
DB Schenker has implemented AI in their customer service, handling over 10,000 daily support contacts efficiently and with high customer satisfaction. This was achieved through internal upskilling and innovation, ensuring AI-powered processes are tested and scaled quickly.
Aidon, a smart metering provider, worked with Mallow to shift from selling hardware to selling data through APIs, allowing clients to use real-time meter data for operations like fault detection, customer service, and planning.
The future of data transformation
The event concluded with a panel discussion exploring the next steps in leading data-driven change. Experts from Fusion Ecosystem, Mallow, AIThink, Goodin, and Polar Squad emphasized that organizations need to act now to stay ahead.
Key takeaways
“Start now – jump on the train. Rather than wait for the next wave of new innovations or tools, get on board today.”
Jaakko Karhumaa, CEO, Mallow
“Enable people to experiment. Give access to tools, build an environment for safe experimentation. Examine the data your company has and combine it with AI.”
Erno Aapa, Co-Founder / COO, Polar Squad
“This time, the change starts from the top. Don’t build separate data, AI and security strategies – use these disciplines to support your strategy.”
Samuli Salmela, Head of Digital Transformation, Region Europe, DB Schenker
“Data and AI are where the cloud was some years ago – we’re spending on development, and soon we’re spending on upkeep and maintenance, as well. Data and AI are more concrete than the cloud – they enable us to enormously accelerate product development, customer service and creative processes.”
Nino Ilveskero, Partner, AIThink
“You need to ask employees what they need – this results in concrete, grassroots use case ideas you can refine. Assess the readiness of your organization and hear the people – also those who dissent.”
Kira Sjöberg, Co-Founder / Data & AI Literacy Coach, Goodin
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