The conference, held on November 27-28, 2024, at The Westin Warsaw, featured five panel discussions and six presentations, exploring innovation, digitalization, AI, cybersecurity, and ecosystem collaboration. Presentations spanned psychological, financial, legal, and security aspects of innovation, supported by case studies.

Panelists emphasized creating a sustainable culture of innovation through structured synergy between creativity, tools, and processes, rather than relying on isolated ideas. Digital transformation was hailed as a tool to enhance human capability, not replace it. Discussions on AI underscored its dual nature as an opportunity and a risk, stressing that true competitive advantage stems from innovative products or services, not AI alone.

Cybersecurity emerged as a critical concern, with experts highlighting outdated infrastructure and a shortage of skilled personnel as vulnerabilities. Strategies for prevention, damage control, and recovery were examined, emphasizing the urgent need for modernization and training.

A collaborative approach between businesses, start-ups, and research institutions was identified as vital for innovation, starting with business needs. However, limited funding, academic resistance, and insufficient business orientation in academia were noted as barriers.

The conference concluded with the “Innovation Diamonds” awards, recognizing achievements across 11 categories with 12 awards and three honorable mentions. The event spotlighted innovation as a multifaceted endeavor, requiring cross-sectoral collaboration, modernized infrastructure, and balanced integration of technology to drive progress.

(WBJ)