This article is part of Kongsberg Digital’s Executive Series on why and how senior energy leaders are moving towards the operating model of the future, a digital performance model (DPM). Discover how empowering people by strategically applying AI and digital is at the core of driving digital performance. To learn more, visit this page.
As oil & gas companies progress on digital journeys, it's crucial to remember that technology is ultimately an enabler, not an end. The most successful digital organizations empower people through technology, recognizing the unique value that human judgment, creativity, and empathy bring to digitally enabled decision-making.
This means investing not just in AI and digital technologies but also in the skills and capabilities of the workforce. Energy companies can build a continuous learning and adaptation culture by providing training and development opportunities in data literacy, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. This ensures that employees are equipped to work effectively alongside digital operational systems, like a digital performance model, and helps create a more engaged, motivated, and resilient workforce.
Moreover, by involving employees in designing and implementing digital solutions, companies can foster a sense of ownership and trust in the technology. Oil & gas companies can build confidence in the technology and accelerate adoption by ensuring that digital models and systems are transparent, explainable, and aligned with human values.
Pascal Bornet is an award-winning expert, author, and keynote speaker on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation. He has received multiple awards and is regularly ranked among the top 10 global AI and Automation experts. He is also an influencer with over a million social media followers.
Bornet developed his expertise over more than 20 years as a senior executive at McKinsey and EY, where he created and led their "Intelligent Automation" practices and implemented AI and Automation initiatives for hundreds of organizations worldwide.
For the past twenty years, Bornet's research has focused on the intersection of AI and Humans, where he believes the greatest value lies. He is a fervent advocate for human-centric AI and believes that with the right approach, AI can make our world more human.
He has authored two best-selling books, "INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION" and "IRREPLACEABLE," and his insights have been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes, Bloomberg, McKinsey Quarterly, and The Times. He is also a lecturer at several universities, a member of the Forbes Technology Council, and a Senior Advisor for several startups and charities.
In a world where technology is rapidly evolving and AI is ubiquitous, the human touch becomes increasingly valuable. Humans bring authenticity and an emotional connection, adding a unique element that AI cannot replicate. Three uniquely human abilities are genuine creativity, critical thinking, and social authenticity. Abilities that offer a powerful synergy with AI-enabled technology. Embracing and developing these unique human abilities enriches our collaboration with AI by complementing it, fostering innovation, strengthening relationships, and enabling solutions to more complex problems. These human abilities, not technical skills, are future skills.
Oil & gas companies focused on building organizations where humans and AI complement each other’s strengths will more likely endure because they remain relevant, competitive, and irreplaceable. The path to irreplaceability lies in leveraging the power of digital technologies and AI while simultaneously cultivating the uniquely human capabilities that drive innovation, resilience, and adaptability. Companies can position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly unpredictable business landscape by building organizations that utilize the unique human skills of creativity, critical thinking, social authenticity, and AI strengths.
For oil & gas companies to succeed in an industry undergoing a seismic shift, they must become IRREPLACEABLE. In my book, IRREPLACEABLE: The Art of Standing Out in The Age of Artificial Intelligence, I recommend adopting a comprehensive approach incorporating the IRREPLACEABLE framework. The framework emphasizes a balanced approach focusing on AI integration, human-centric values, and adaptability. The framework’s three pillars are:
Recognizing the interdependence of technology, human capabilities, and the ability to adapt to change encourages a holistic approach to digital, as offered through Kongsberg Digital’s Digital Performance Model. Applying digital holistically and successfully requires a balance between technological advancement and the enhancement of unique human skills, empowering people and benefiting them and the organizations they work for.
By incorporating these competencies, oil & gas companies can survive and thrive in an ever-increasing digital and AI-dominated landscape. The most successful organizations will be the ones that leverage technology to enhance performance while maintaining the unique value of human creativity, judgment, and interaction.
