Dhaka: Bangladesh must invest in people, practical skills, and emerging technologies rather than blindly chasing expensive AI solutions, said Prof Henrik von Scheel, who is widely recognized as the originator of the ‘4th Industrial Revolution’ and a defining voice in the global digital agenda. He emphasized that the country can enhance its global competitiveness by embracing collaboration, adopting common AI standards, and preserving its strong culture of social responsibility.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Prof Henrik highlighted that Bangladesh is more prepared for the AI era than commonly perceived, calling for investments in knowledge, innovation, and people. He pointed out that the country’s sense of community sets it apart from developed societies and underscores the necessity of ensuring basic needs like food and skill-building opportunities for everyone. Prof Henrik urged businesses to share AI knowledge to accelerate innovation and avoid treating it as a competitive secret.
The professor praised the resilience, optimism, and community spirit of the Bangladeshi people despite facing economic and climate challenges. He recounted his experiences in Dhaka, lauding the warmth and generosity of its people. During his recent visit, Prof Henrik participated in a roundtable on AI’s prospects for Bangladesh, an AI masterclass for business leaders, and discussions with policymakers.
During the masterclass, many participants initially equated AI with consumer tools like ChatGPT. However, they left with a broader understanding of AI’s potential in automating business operations, industrial processes, and government services. Prof Henrik commended Bangladeshi companies for their eagerness to learn and adapt AI-driven workflows, emphasizing that many AI tools could be developed internally, reducing costs and improving productivity.
Despite AI’s potential, Prof Henrik warned against over-reliance on the technology, which could undermine human creativity and critical thinking. He emphasized the importance of human judgment and the need to invest in workers so they can take on higher-value roles, rather than fearing job losses from automation.
Looking to the future, Prof Henrik identified the “bio revolution” as a major opportunity for Bangladesh, emphasizing its potential in biotechnology and food production. He revealed plans to collaborate on a global biological database to support future innovation, leveraging Bangladesh’s rich biodiversity.
The professor also cautioned against over-dependence on foreign AI platforms, which could result in the export of intellectual capital. He encouraged continuous learning in writing, analysis, and research skills, warning that reliance on AI-generated content could erode essential capabilities.
Prof Henrik advised that public policy should prioritize strategic planning, infrastructure, and human capital over excessive digitalization. He called for regulations that strengthen industries and enable global competitiveness, particularly in the textile sector, which could benefit from AI without jeopardizing jobs.
Finally, Prof Henrik expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s youthful population, advocating for skill acquisition over mere dream-chasing. He concluded that the country’s greatest strength lies in its people, whose resilience and optimism are its most valuable assets.