The CEO of a $55 billion conglomerate explains why the Japanese concept of 'kosoryoku' is so important in the AI age (www.businessinsider.com)

Shingo Ueno, CEO of Japan's Sumitomo Corporation, emphasized the importance of the Japanese concept of 'kosoryoku'—the ability to envision an unimagined future—during a recent interview with Business Insider. While he acknowledges AI's capabilities as a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency, particularly in quickly retrieving past information, he makes it clear that AI lacks the innate human ability to conceptualize new possibilities. Ueno's experience reflects this limitation, noting that AI-generated insights can sometimes prove ineffective when it comes to decision-making based on future scenarios. Ueno argues that while AI is effective in analyzing historical data to suggest directions, it cannot create the future independently. He advocates for a blend of existing ideas, fostering innovation not through revolutionary visions but by improving what is already there. Ueno also highlights the importance of stepping away from work to recharge, allowing for the emergence of fresh ideas—a practice he believes is essential for leaders in the AI era. His insights underscore a pivotal dialogue in the AI/ML community regarding the balance between leveraging technology and retaining human creativity in shaping the future.