Successful start for the AI for Executives programme in Gothenburg

At the end of January, the first module of the new AI for Executives programme was conducted at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg. Over two days, 29 participants had the opportunity to listen to experienced and thought-leading lecturers providing an initial understanding of what AI is and how it can be strategically utilized. The interest in the programme is substantial, and the first module received very positive feedback.

The AI for Executives programme operates on the premise that knowledge of the potential of AI must exist where strategic decisions are made. It is designed for managers and leaders, with or without technical backgrounds, who need to develop their understanding of AI to formulate an AI strategy for their own organisations. The programme consists of four modules, with the first three being delivered in regional sessions at the universities in Gothenburg, Uppsala, and Stockholm. Dates and lecturers vary between locations, but the content is common. In the fourth module, participants from all three universities convene for a joint full day in Stockholm, organized by AI Sweden, the national center for applied artificial intelligence.

The first module in Gothenburg took place on January 25-26, featuring renowned speakers such as Göran Lindsjö and professors Robin Teigland and Miroslaw Staron. The high level of interest in the programme has allowed for a slight increase in the number of participants. The Gothenburg group consists of 29 experienced individuals with managerial responsibilities, including eleven from the public sector. Networking and exchange within the group constitute essential complements to the knowledge conveyed by the lecturers.

Satisfied participants
During the concluding summary of the module, many participants expressed a significant need for increased knowledge and awareness of AI among both employees, management, and the board. Several also reflected on the importance of the quality and proper handling of the data central to training their own AI algorithms. Furthermore, many participants were eager to initiate AI implementation within their organisations, integrate it into operations, and learn along the way.

Here are some comments from participants regarding the first module:

Gull-Britt Eide, Municipal Director, Lerum municipality:
“These have been two fantastically inspiring days with many great discussions and insights. I already have a much better understanding of what AI is and realize that the best way to approach AI is to take ownership of your own issues and dare to try. Now, AI gets its place. I will bring up the topics we discuss in the education to my management team to achieve broader anchoring and understanding. These days gave me an incredible amount of energy, and now I look forward to the next session.”

Patrik Andersson, Group CIO, Stena Rederi AB:
“A super interesting start to the programme with both new insights and verification of already made decisions regarding our organization’s evolution to become ‘AI-ready’ and ‘AI-literate’. Technology is, of course, an important component in this evolution, but to succeed, the top management must understand what AI is, its opportunities, and risks. Good mix of participants from different industries to network with and gain perspectives from. Looking forward to the rest of the programme.”

Eva Halvarsson, CEO, Andra AP-fonden:
“Already after the first module, I have a better overall understanding of what AI is, not least in relation to human intelligence. The broad approach inspires continued discussions and work in my organisation.”

New programme start in September
“To understand AI well enough to have managerial competence is high on the agenda of most decision-makers right now. We are proud to, together with the units for commissioned education at Stockholm and Uppsala universities, as well as AI Sweden, have created AI for Executives. We are also very pleased that the group that has chosen to build their AI competence with us in Gothenburg is both senior and has an impressive breadth. It ensures the desired high level of discussions,” says Håkan Ericson, CEO, GU Executive Education.

Another round of the AI for Executives programme in Gothenburg is planned to begin in September 2024. Expression of interest is open.

About the programme
AI for Executives is a unique collaboration between the commissioned education companies at Stockholm University, the University of Gothenburg, and Uppsala University, and the national center for applied artificial intelligence, AI Sweden. The programme is characterised by renowned lecturers with international experience from business, academia, and politics.

The education is primarily conducted in Swedish at the universities in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Uppsala and spans over six days divided into four modules. The first three modules (a total of five full days over three months) are delivered in regional programme sessions at each of the three universities. The content is common, but dates and lecturers vary between locations. The programme concludes with a full day in Stockholm, delivered by AI Sweden, where participants from all university sessions participate.

Lecturers for the programme in Gothenburg in spring 2024: Robin Teigland, Göran Lindsjö, Johan Magnusson, Sandor Albrecht, Matilda Arvidsson, Miroslaw Staron, Pontus Wärnestål, Johan Ripgården, and Viktor Elliott, who is also the academic programme director along with Victor Appelgren.

More information about the programme and form for registration of interest for the autumn session can be found here (in Swedish only): AI for Executives – ta kontroll över AI-resan i din organisation | GU Executive Education (guexed.com)

Images:
1. Attentive participants at the AI for Executives programme.
2. Professor Miroslaw Staron lecturing on machine learning, data, and AI algorithms.
Photo: GU Executive Education

For further information, please contact:

Håkan Ericson, CEO, GU Executive Education
hakan.ericson@handels.gu.se
+46 709 50 63 35

GU Executive Education at the School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg delivers Sweden’s first AMBA-accredited Executive MBA programme, custom programmes for internationally-focused companies in the Nordic region and shorter open-enrolment programmes. Training is provided in Sweden and abroad. By designing programs that combine academic rigour and practical relevance, the School develops leaders and executives. The School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg is one of only approximately 120 business schools in the world to be Triple Crown-accredited, i.e. holding the three most prestigious international accreditations from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS. This corresponds to approximately 1,0 % of the total number of business schools globally. www.guexed.com