Discussions surrounding AI and AI agents are intensifying, with Mihir Shukla, CEO of Automation Anywhere, noting that the focus is shifting from mere hype to practical implications this year. "CEOs are fascinated by AI, but their main objective is extracting value, " he shared in an interview with BI. "I recognize its appeal; however, the key question is: What can I do with it?This is the dialogue unfolding this year. " Can AI fully replace his role?Not entirely, but he acknowledged that it can perform certain tasks. For instance, his company developed a boardroom AI agent and trained it using years of the firm's financial data and presentations. "It could identify patterns that even the most seasoned professionals missed, " he explained. It performed so impressively that they even assigned the AI agent an empty seat at the boardroom table for dramatic flair. — Hugh Langley One challenge with AI agents lies in determining how companies get compensated for their contributions, who gets recognition, and most importantly, how revenue is shared within organizations. Raj Sharma, EY's global managing partner for growth and innovation, told BI that the capabilities of AI agents are prompting the professional services firm to rethink its commercial strategy. Rather than merely billing clients for the hours and resources spent on a project, he mentioned the possibility of a "service-as-a-software" model, where clients pay based on the results achieved. The concern isn't solely external.

Consideration also needs to be given to agent ownership and the responsibility for the revenue they generate. "While we're dedicating substantial effort to technology, we are equally focused on defining the appropriate commercial model and associated risks, " Sharma added. — Dan DeFrancesco This marks my fourth year at Davos, and each time, one topic tends to dominate. In 2023, the rapid rise of AI took center stage. Last year, inflation was the prevailing theme. This time, there's a three-way competition among agentic AI, Trump’s tariff discussions, and crypto regulatory debates. Crypto has escalated beyond a side issue. With enthusiasts celebrating Bitcoin's surge past $100, 000 and regulators grappling with how to manage the chaotic digital asset landscape, it is now as integral to Davos as cheese and fondue during high-level dinner discussions. But which subject will prevail during the evening gatherings and daytime ski chats?Crypto boasts the hype, AI exudes intrigue, and Trump inevitably steals the spotlight. — Spriha Srivastava This week, the weather in the mountain town is unseasonably warm, with daytime highs in the mid-to-high 30s, and nighttime lows predicted to stay in the mid-to-high 20s. (Typically, the town's average daily temperature hovers in the low 20s. ) As a result, the well-known "suits and boots" attire associated with the conference may not be as crucial this week, given the absence of snowfall. This situation stands in sharp contrast to the US, where the East Coast is experiencing harsh cold weather and the South faces a rare snow and ice storm threat. — Dan DeFrancesco