Business Leaders Suggest Increased AI Use for Shanghai's Growth
International business leaders and experts urged Shanghai to better leverage artificial intelligence by integrating it with manufacturing and consumption during discussions on innovation-driven growth.
Shanghai should enhance its use of artificial intelligence (AI) by integrating it with manufacturing and consumption to foster new growth engines, according to international business leaders and experts. The recommendations were made during the 38th meeting of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai on October 11, which focused on innovation-driven development in the service sector.
Attendees highlighted Shanghai's unique advantages, including its strong industrial base and mature service industry, as key enablers for AI adoption. Mohamed Kande, global chairman of PwC, suggested connecting technology, research, and capital with international service providers to address real-economy challenges.
Sir Martin Sorrell, founder of S4 Capital, identified Shanghai as a testing ground for global AI governance and the intelligent transformation of the service sector. He emphasized the need for Shanghai to align with international rules, facilitate data flow, open more application scenarios, and cultivate a talent-friendly ecosystem to become a global hub for AI-empowered services.
Other participants, such as Zhang Lei, founder of Hillhouse Investment, and Gary S. Guthart, executive chairman of Intuitive Surgical, underscored the importance of practical AI applications in healthcare and business operations. Jean-Paul Agon, chairman of L'Oreal Group, expressed belief in AI's ability to deliver personalized products and enhance consumer experiences by bridging online and offline retail.