ARGUABLY, all socio-economic development has been driven by Intellectual Property and Operating System. When IP touches masses it morphs into OS in a transformative way — OS changes and touches lives on a global scale. OS opens the door for many new IP and fosters innovations and creativity for the masses, improving quality of life and creating assets.
The earliest of IP and related OS emerged from ‘stone tools,’ ‘creating and managing fire,’ ‘creation of language,’ ‘mastering various metals,’ ‘organised agriculture,’ ‘domesticated animals,’ and the lists continue. These early IPs and transcendental OS shaped early humanity and created the foundation of the modern world. Those early human successes helped bring about the key world-changing transcendental IP and OS as Industry 1.0 (steam engine), Industry 2.0 (electricity), Industry 3.0 (transistor, microelectronics), Industry 4.0 (digital/network), and now Industry 5.0 (AI/cognitive).
Each of those revolutions began with proprietary innovations that spread through standardisation and became essential infrastructure, transforming into societal OSs and creating winners and losers, highlighting the technological and economic inequalities resulting in a multi-tier world.
Now the idea about the emergence of AI (artificial intelligence) dominating the world is to leverage it fully to bridge the gaps between the negative pathologies of the present-day multi-tier world. Here are some of the key benefits that we must master and leverage wholeheartedly to gain a leading seat in the future world:
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Benefits of AI in Bangladesh
AS PART of task automation, AI can automate routine tasks, reducing the need for human intervention and increasing efficiency. AI algorithms can optimise business processes, supply chains, and logistics, saving time and resources.
AI can process and analyse large volumes of data quickly, providing insights that would be impossible for humans to discern manually. AI supports better decision-making by providing accurate predictions and data-driven recommendations.
AI can assist in diagnosing diseases more accurately and rapidly than traditional methods. AI enables the development of personalised treatment plans based on individual patient data.
AI can increase productivity in various industries, leading to economic growth. While AI may automate some jobs, it also creates new job opportunities in tech and other sectors.
AI can personalise user experiences in services such as e-commerce, entertainment, and education. AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide 24/7 customer service, improving customer satisfaction.
AI can enhance security through advanced surveillance systems capable of detecting anomalies. AI algorithms can detect and respond to cyber threats more efficiently than traditional methods.
AI can accelerate research in fields like pharmaceuticals, material science, and environmental science. AI fosters innovation by enabling the rapid prototyping and testing of new ideas. AI can tailor educational content to individual learning styles and pace, improving outcomes. AI-powered tools can help people develop new skills and adapt to changing job markets.
AI can optimise the use of natural resources and reduce waste. AI can model and predict climate change impacts, aiding in mitigation and adaptation strategies.
AI provides assistive technologies for people with disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life. AI-powered translation services break down language barriers, facilitating global communication.
AI is key to developing self-driving cars, which could reduce accidents and improve traffic flow. AI enables the creation of smart cities with efficient public transportation, energy use, and waste management.
AI can generate music, art, and literature, offering new forms of creative expression. AI curates personalised content for users based on their preferences and habits.
AI helps in precision agriculture, optimising crop yields and reducing environmental impact. AI improves the food supply chain, from production to distribution, enhancing food security.
AI powers social media algorithms that connect people with similar interests across the globe. AI enhances online shopping experiences with recommendation systems and predictive search.
In summary, Industry 5.0 and associated AI have the potential to bring about significant improvements in every aspect of our lives, and we must devote every resource to make it our own winning strategy.
Bangladesh has largely missed the benefits of the first four industrial revolutions, and we must not miss the Industry 5.0 boat.
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Need for an AI institute
A DEDICATED Bangladesh AI Institute to spearhead the development and application of AI technologies across various sectors is a must. The government must ensure that every action and decision in Bangladesh is informed and improved by data and intelligence. Scope to apply AI and data-driven approaches across all sectors, including private and public, for-profit and non-profit, healthcare, finance, administration, education, infrastructure, and more, should be created. The government should consider investing in education to develop AI literacy and skills among the population, starting from early education through to higher learning and professional development. A robust digital infrastructure to support AI technologies, including mobile networks, data centres, and cloud services, should also be considered. To utilise AI in healthcare for better diagnostics, telemedicine, and predictive analytics to improve health outcomes, the health sector stakeholders must revisit existing policies. It is important to foster an AI startup ecosystem and support AI applications in agriculture, manufacturing, and other economic sectors to drive growth. For environmental management, deploying AI could help facilitate efficient resource management, environmental monitoring, and energy optimisation. The government should explore developing AI-driven defence capabilities and cybersecurity measures to protect national interests and infrastructure.
These prescriptions are aimed at enabling Bangladesh to catch up with and potentially lead in the global transition to Industry 5.0, leveraging AI and cognitive technologies to drive development and reduce the technological gap with more advanced economies.
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Dr Shah Yunus has been a software architect and computational science expert for over 40 years; and Dr Habib Siddiqui is a peace and human rights activist who lives in the United States.