At the opening keynote of OpenTech 2025, speakers emphasized that the primary objective of innovation should be to foster human progress rather than merely to achieve technological advancement or market disruption. Bruno Zerbib, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Orange, articulated this viewpoint, stating, “Innovation only matters if it serves progress. Progress is more than technology. It’s about creating outcomes that solve real problems for real people and elevate the human condition.”
Zerbib stressed that innovation must address genuine societal challenges, enhancing quality of life in dimensions such as safety, health, autonomy, and inclusion. He underscored that the focus should be on building trust, simplicity, and shared value. “Innovation should not be about the next product or the next feature. It should be about shaping the future we believe in,” he said.
A significant portion of the discussions centered around the accelerating pace of innovation driven by artificial intelligence (AI). According to Zerbib, the speed of AI advancements is unprecedented, outpacing even the early internet era. “This breakneck pace of innovation is driving widespread economic and technological disruption,” he warned, noting the risks of leaving people behind amid rapid changes. He called for large organizations like Orange, which serves 300 million customers, to balance the competitive drive for AI innovation with ethical and environmental responsibilities.
Part of this ethical imperative involves the responsible application of AI technologies. Zerbib explained that, at Orange, AI should augment human abilities rather than replace them. “We don’t want to use AI when human beings can do a very good job,” he said, highlighting the importance of keeping humans in control of AI systems.
The environmental implications of AI are also a concern for Orange. Elizabeth Tchoungui, EVP of Corporate Social Responsibility, pointed out that the company evaluates the carbon impact of its AI solutions before deployment. “Each time we want to deploy an AI solution, we measure its carbon impact. And sometimes we drop a solution because the environmental cost is too high,” she noted, indicating a commitment to sustainability.
Building trust in AI emerged as a recurring theme during the keynote. Both companies and users must feel confident that digital interactions are secure and that AI outputs are reliable. However, transparency in how AI systems are constructed and operated remains a challenge. “There is no zero risk, but we have to find a way to reduce risk, and sometimes we use AI to protect ourselves from AI,” Zerbib remarked, underscoring the complexities of securing trust amidst evolving technologies.
As digital literacy becomes increasingly critical, speakers highlighted the need for education to alleviate fears surrounding AI’s capabilities. Greg Hart, CEO at Coursera and former leader of the Alexa program, emphasized the role of AI in personalizing learning experiences. “We’re moving toward a world where learning can be completely personalized for every individual,” he said, advocating for continuous educational opportunities to support employee upskilling.
The consensus among the speakers was that growth and responsibility are intertwined. Long-term economic success hinges on sustainable practices that benefit society at large rather than a select few. Decisions on investments and technology adoption must include impact measurement as a core component rather than an afterthought.
Furthermore, innovation must extend its benefits globally, particularly to rapidly growing markets such as Africa. Yasser Shaker, CEO at Orange Middle East & Africa, stated, “Africa is young. People have dreams, hopes, and expectations—and innovation must help them achieve those dreams.” He introduced the concept of frugal innovation, which prioritizes impactful, simple solutions appropriate for regions with limited resources, thereby addressing real-world constraints.
In conclusion, the discussions at OpenTech 2025 reaffirmed that the essence of innovation lies not just in technological prowess but in its ability to uplift humanity. As companies navigate the complexities of AI and digital transformation, a commitment to ethical practices, education, and societal benefit must remain at the forefront, paving the way for sustainable progress in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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