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Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz

Professor and Chair in Digital Economy at QUT (Queensland University of Technology)

Brisbane, Australia

Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz is a Professor and Chair in Digital Economy at QUT Business School. Listed among the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders in Artificial Intelligence by thinkers360, Marek has led global innovation teams in Silicon Valley, was a Research Manager of SAP's Machine Learning lab in Singapore and a Global Research Program Lead there, as well as a Research Fellow at Microsoft Research Asia. His upcoming book is called "The Economy of Algorithms: Rise of the Digital Minions".

Available For: Advising, Consulting, Influencing, Speaking
Travels From: Brisbane, Australia
Speaking Topics: The Economy of Algorithms, The Business of Technology, Governance of AI

Speaking Fee $10,000 (In-Person)

Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz Points
Academic 205
Author 308
Influencer 104
Speaker 284
Entrepreneur 110
Total 1011

Points based upon Thinkers360 patent-pending algorithm.

Thought Leader Profile

Portfolio Mix

Featured Videos

TEDx QUT: Creativity not required: How great minds craft ideas
August 12, 2023

Featured Topics

Company Information

Company Type: Company
Minimum Project Size: N/A
Average Hourly Rate: N/A
Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000
Company Founded Date: Undisclosed

Areas of Expertise

AI 41.22
Business Strategy 32.45
Creativity 33.47
Culture 30.02
Design Thinking 30.50
Digital Disruption 40.74
Digital Transformation 37.80
EdTech 33.49
Emerging Technology 31.10
Future of Work 30.39
Generative AI 54.79
GovTech 33.56
HealthTech 30.39
Innovation 32.82
Leadership 30.15
Legal and IP 30.64
Metaverse 31.36
Privacy 30.25
Retail 30.72
Security 30.22
Startups 30.07

Industry Experience

Publications

6 Academic Certifications
Artificial Intelligence Professional Program
Stanford University
January 29, 2023
The Artificial Intelligence Professional Program is designed for working professionals who want to dive into AI topics at graduate-level depth, but with additional flexibility of schedule and scope.

Modeled after the Stanford AI Graduate Certificate, the professional courses provide a rigorous introduction to machine learning, as well as opportunities to dive into theoretical and project-based learning in natural language processing and understanding.

Credential ID https://digitalcredential.stanford.edu/check/2DF9284A797014A95B4B5588EBA7DAF43085425BD33AA2271D4C6EA

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Tags: AI, Generative AI

XCS221 Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques
Stanford Center for Professional Development
January 29, 2023
This professional course provides a broad overview of modern artificial intelligence principles and techniques. Specific topics include machine learning, search, game playing, Markov decision processes, constraint satisfaction, graphical models, and logic. Learners grasp how machines can engage in problem solving, reasoning, learning, and interaction. They design, test and implement algorithms and gain an appreciation of this dynamic field. The main goal of the course is to equip learners with the tools to tackle new artificial intelligence problems they might encounter in life.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI

XCS224W Machine Learning with Graphs
Stanford Center for Professional Development
November 21, 2021
Complex data can be represented as a graph of relationships and interactions between objects. This course explores the computational, algorithmic, and modeling challenges specific to the analysis of massive graphs. By studying underlying graph structures, learners get a deeper understanding of machine learning and data mining techniques that can improve prediction and reveal insights on a variety of networks. Learners complete colab assignments focused on learning node embeddings, constructing, testing and training graph neural networks.

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Tags: AI

XCS224N Natural Language Processing with Deep Learning
Stanford Center for Professional Development
February 23, 2020
The field of natural language processing (NLP) is one of the most important and useful application areas of artificial intelligence. In this course, learners explore the fundamental concepts of NLP and its role in current and emerging technologies. They gain a thorough understanding of modern neural network algorithms for the processing of linguistic information. They gain the skills to move from word representation and syntactic processing to designing and implementing complex deep learning models for question answering, machine translation, and other language understanding tasks.

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Tags: AI

PhD in Business Information Systems
Poznan University of Economics and Business
December 01, 2006
Dissertation titled: "Information Extraction and Aggregation for Business Entities"
Grade: Summa Cum Laude

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

MSc in Business Information Systems
Poznan University of Economics and Business
June 03, 2002
Dissertation titled: Knowledge e-Marketplace for Courseware Distribution: Customer Side

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, EdTech

3 Academic Whitepapers
Government 5.0: The future of public services
Queensland University of Technology
August 01, 2019
In the public sector, the future of government services goes well beyond citizen centric services, or whole-of-government approaches to service delivery and gravitates toward whole-of-life service delivery. Understanding the citizen model, not through a government lens, but holistically, is the focus. In 5.0, public service providers are asking where they can fit in their customers’ lives, rather than the other way around of “where do customers fit in providers’ processes”.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, GovTech

Retail 5.0: Check-out the future
PwC Chair in Digital Economy
August 31, 2017
Customer centricity is absolute in Retail 5.0. Roles will be reversed and customers will manage the retailers they choose to interact with. Retailers will need to identify the best way to address a customer’s particular need, this is unlikely to be through the permanent purchase of goods. In this world, customers are equipped with systems allowing them to manage their own data, provide organisations with access to this data and experience corporations in personalised ways. Processes are triggered by life events that are shared with trusted providers. Retail will become a seamless, invisible, tool used to achieve a customer’s goal.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Retail

State of the State: 2017 Environmental Sensing
QUT Chair in Digital Economy
June 01, 2017
Technology, Business and Social Trends Shaping the Queensland Economy

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

2 Advisory Board Memberships
Queensland AI Hub Advisory Board Member
Queensland AI Hub
December 01, 2020
The Queensland AI Hub Advisory Committee furthers the Queensland AI Hub’s mission to connect, promote and grow the capability of artificial intelligence across Queensland.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Member of Ministerial ICT Advisory Council
Queensland Government
April 01, 2019
Chaired by Minister for Digital Technology Mick de Brenni, MICTAC brings government, industry and academia together to work on optimising the industry and keeping Queensland at the forefront of global ICT trends.

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Tags: AI, Emerging Technology, GovTech

1 Analyst Report
Leading the Adoption of AI 2023
Queensland Futures Institute
October 18, 2023
The key theme from the 2023 Queensland Futures Institute’s Forum – Leading the Adoption of AI – was the broad opportunity to leverage AI tools across many use cases to support innovation and productivity. Organisations should think strategically about the best applications
to drive value, but must also consider specific challenges, particularly around culture, data and information use.

The conversation also highlighted the need to maintain a human-centric view on the development and implementation of the technology, both around the culture it is used in, as well as around the impacts it may have on disrupting industries or supporting education outcomes.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

3 Article/Blogs
We solve problems in 30 days through ‘research sprints’: other academics can do this too
The Conversation
May 22, 2023
Picture a world where academic research is fast, practical, and beneficial to everyone involved.
In reality, making university research practical, which typically requires working with industry, can take many years. By that time, it might be too late for it to be of benefit.
Research has been singled out as a key priority for the upcoming Universities Accord. The review team has called for advice on “more effective” collaboration between universities and industry to solve “big challenges”.
We are a research group of academics with years of industry experience in global corporations, designers who have worked on everything from airplane cabin controls to wooden sunglasses, and early career researchers, hoping to see their work address problems that matter.
We have devised an approach to make university and industry collaboration effective.

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Tags: Creativity, Design Thinking, Innovation

Did someone drop a zero? Australia’s digital economy budget spend should be 10 times bigger
The Conversation
May 12, 2021
The federal budget for 2021-22 promises A$1.2 billion over the next six years to support the Digital Economy Strategy, a plan to make Australia “a leading digital economy and society by 2030”.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, GovTech

Think digital investment, think smart
Financial Review
January 06, 2016
Craig Emerson correctly emphasised concerns over improvements to multifactor productivity and living standards for Australians in the digital age ("A happy and disruptive new year", January 5). His concerns are amplified when Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2000-15 is analysed because it clearly shows the problem, with national aggregates growth in real gross domestic product per capita, on average, slashed by 49 per cent and growth in real net national disposable income per capita slashed by about 84 per cent.

With the mining boom over, and little spare cash to invest, it is time for Australian businesses to change and put to work their capital investments if the economy is to improve. In the digital age, it is time to reap a return from investments in information and communications technology (ICT). Our analysis of data from the 1960s to 2015 in the working paper "Technology investment is not enough: Growing Australia's productive digital economy" shows clearly that ICT investment is not enough. Our analysis shows that over the longer term, measures of multifactor productivity show no systemic relationship with ICT investment across different sectors of the economy.

Clearly it is now time for Australian businesses to make effective and efficient use of their ICT capital if we are to reverse Australia's recent lacklustre economic performance. Changing business models, as well as product and process innovations that draw on ICT investments, can make a difference. It is only through changes and improvements to organisational, managerial and individual capabilities that ICT investments can be realised. At Queensland University of Technology, the PwC Chair in Digital Economy is working with industry to ensure this happens.

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Tags: Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

70 Author Newsletters
SearchGPT and the future of SEO
LinkedIn
September 15, 2024
A couple of weeks ago, OpenAI launched SearchGPT, a Google-like search engine powered by their large language model. SearchGPT is a “temporary prototype.” Some of its features might be integrated into ChatGPT in future.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation

Phantom AI
LinkedIn
September 07, 2024
Recently, someone I trust a lot confided in me. “I can’t stand working with John. The stuff he produces… it’s clearly ChatGPT. He’s cheating!” The Twist? I knew John had done the work himself, without any AI assistance.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Ages-old agents
LinkedIn
September 06, 2024
There is a lot of excitement around “AI agents” these days. Maybe I’m biased by algorithms that curate my social media feeds, but it seems that everywhere I look, there is someone experimenting with AI agents in their work.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation

Run an AI day!
Linkedln
July 11, 2024
Remember when rapid prototyping was a luxury? I do. For years, I was a regular in Las Vegas, not for the casinos, but for InnoJams. These were 48-hour events where diverse teams would create software prototypes to tackle specific challenges. I started as a participant. A few years later, I became an "InnoJam lead".

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Transcendence
The Economy of Algorithms
June 20, 2024
In last week’s post, “The botterfly effect”, I used the phrase “the slave becomes the master”. This subtle nod to Metallica’s “The End of the Line” highlighted how tools meant to help us end up directing us instead.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

The botterfly effect
LinkedIn
June 12, 2024
You haven’t heard from me in a few weeks. I’m back after being a bit busy with activities around my book launch. Here’s what happened since the last newsletter

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

The church of AI
Import from wordpress feed
March 28, 2024
Delusion of deity

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Generative AI

The book has launched
LinkedIn
March 14, 2024
I've been quiet in the past weeks. Thank you for your patience. Today's newsletter is just a short update on what I've been up to. From the next edition, we'll be back to the usual introduction of "what's new" in the economy of algorithms. Stay tuned!

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

The Economy of Algorithms
LinkedIn
February 08, 2024
In the heart of London, right behind Westminster Abbey, and just as close to the famous Big Ben, there is a short, narrow street called Great Smith Street. It runs parallel to the Thames. And, just like the river, the street has seen its share of the city’s history – including the history of information technology

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Avoiding the AI winter
The Economy of Algorithms
January 25, 2024
Pardon a tiny interruption: if you’re in Brisbane, Australia, in early March, join me for the launch of my newest book, The Economy of Algorithms: AI and the Rise of the Digital Minions. Find out more and register here. Other locations and countries will be announced here soon!

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Avoiding the AI winter
Import from wordpress feed
January 24, 2024
or what to do when we hit the peak of inflated expectations

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Generative AI

Interim response
Import from wordpress feed
January 17, 2024
The Australian AI Act of Non-Commitment

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Generative AI

On Botshit
The Economy of Algorithms
January 04, 2024
“It is impossible for someone to lie unless he thinks he knows the truth. Producing bullshit requires no such conviction.”

Harry G. Frankfurt, On Bullshit

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

On Botshit
LinkedIn: The Economy of Algorithms
January 04, 2024
“It is impossible for someone to lie unless he thinks he knows the truth. Producing bullshit requires no such conviction.”

Harry G. Frankfurt, On Bullshit

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Bot or not?
The Economy of Algorithms
December 21, 2023
A few days ago, Chris Bakke visited the website of Chevrolet of Watsonville in California. While Chris was browsing the website, a small window popped up, and Chevrolet of Watsonville Chat Team asked: “Is there anything I can help you with today?”

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Generative AI

Bot or not?
LinkedIn
December 20, 2023
A few days ago, Chris Bakke visited the website of Chevrolet of Watsonville in California. While Chris was browsing the website, a small window popped up, and Chevrolet of Watsonville Chat Team asked: “Is there anything I can help you with today

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Tags: AI, Innovation

What the quack!
The Economy of Algorithms
December 07, 2023
Things are getting exciting (again) in the Generative AI space!

ChatGPT is just over a year old (happy birthday), and many of us have gotten used to the magic of large language models. We’ve gotten so used to it that we’re now accusing ChatGPT of laziness.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Generative AI

What the quack!
LinkedIn
December 06, 2023
ChatGPT is just over a year old (happy birthday), and many of us have gotten used to the magic of large language models. We’ve gotten so used to it that we’re now accusing ChatGPT of laziness.

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Tags: AI, Innovation

AI and the future of leadership
Import from wordpress feed
November 30, 2023
Perhaps Helen was right.

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Generative AI

RoboCop meets RoboLawyer
Import from wordpress feed
November 22, 2023
Earlier this week, I discussed algorithms and their growing influence in the legal realm with Michał Jackowski on his podcast, “MondAI BAIgel.” I think I was the first non-lawyer invited to the podcast, so it was a bit of fun trying to speak the correct language (I still struggle to

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Tags: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Generative AI

Faking it
The Economy of Algorithms
November 16, 2023
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of discussing artificial intelligence with Prof. Toby Walsh, one of the top AI scientists in the world and a “rock star of AI”, according to The Australian. The occasion was the Queensland launch of his most recent book, Faking It! Artificial Intelligence in a Human World.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Faking It
LinkedIn
November 15, 2023
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of discussing artificial intelligence with Prof. Toby Walsh, one of the top AI scientists in the world and a “rock star of AI”, according to The Australian. The occasion was the Queensland launch of his most recent book, Faking It! Artificial Intelligence in a Human World.

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Tags: AI, Innovation

Generative Curiosity
The Economy of Algorithms
November 09, 2023
Is AI my work colleague or my replacement?

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Tags: AI, Future of Work, Generative AI

Generative curiosity
LinkedIn: The Economy of Algorithms
November 08, 2023
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is sparking conversations in boardrooms, living rooms and even restrooms. Businesses “appoint” AI algorithms as CEOs (which, oddly, always take the form of a female-humanoid robot). Every week, we hear about an AI algorithm beating humans at yet another skill. And so it’s no wonder that many of us ask a question: is AI destined to be a collaborative partner in our work, or is it edging toward replacing us altogether? The answer, unsurprisingly, is not that simple.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Racing Against the Clock
The Economy of Algorithms
November 02, 2023
AI and the Marathon Mentality

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, GovTech

1 Board Membership
State Library of Queensland
State Library of Queensland
March 01, 2017
The Library Board is the governing body of State Library of Queensland. The Library Board is committed to improving access to information and knowledge for all Queenslanders.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation

3 Books
The Economy of Algorithms: AI and the Rise of the Digital Minions (Audiobook)
Bristol University Press
June 28, 2024
Welcome to the economy of algorithms. It’s here and it’s growing. In the past few years, we have been flooded with examples of impressive technology. Algorithms have been around for hundreds of years, but they have only recently begun to ‘escape’ our understanding. When algorithms perform certain tasks, they’re not just as good as us, they’re becoming infinitely better, and, at the same time, massively more surprising. We are so impressed by what they can do that we give them a lot of agency. But because they are so hard to comprehend, this leads to all kinds of unintended consequences.

In the 20th century, things were simple: we had the economy of corporations. In the first two decades of the 21st century, we saw the emergence of the economy of people, otherwise known as the digital economy, enabled by the internet. Now we’re seeing a new economy take shape: the economy of algorithms.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

The Economy of Algorithms: Rise of Digital Minions
Black Inc.
March 05, 2024
An insider's guide to the invisible new economy that is reshaping our lives

Welcome to the economy of algorithms. It's here and it's growing.

In the past few years, we have been flooded with examples of impressive technology. Algorithms have been around for hundreds of years, but they have only recently begun to 'escape' our understanding. When algorithms perform certain tasks, they're not just as good as us, they're becoming infinitely better, and, at the same time, massively more surprising. We are so impressed by what they can do that we give them a lot of agency. But because they are so hard to comprehend, this leads to all kinds of unintended consequences.

In the twentieth century, things were simple: we had the economy of corporations. In the first two decades of the twenty-first century, we saw the emergence of the economy of people, otherwise known as the digital economy, enabled by the internet. Now we're seeing a new economy take shape: the economy of algorithms.

How do you advertise to a fridge? Can an algorithm take your job? Do algorithms dream of electric sheep? These questions and more are answered by this exciting and ground-breaking book, which includes nine rules for flourishing in the new economy of algorithms.

'AI appears to be eating the world. How then to understand where this is taking us, both the promises and the threats? This book is for you. A down to earth tour that will help you understand how the algorithms are increasingly taking on human roles.' —Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at the UNSW AI Institute and author of Machines Behaving Badly

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Generative AI

A Robotics Roadmap for Australia
Australian Centre for Robotic Vision
January 01, 2018
Robotics in Australia will maintain our living standards, help protect the environment, provide services to remote communities, reduce healthcare costs, provide safer more fulfilling jobs, prepare the next generation for the future, encourage investment and reshore jobs back to Australia. The Australian Centre for Robotic Vision, an ARC Centre of Excellence, has partnered with industry, researchers and government agencies across the country to develop Australia’s first robotics roadmap.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Robotics

3 Book Chapters
Bridging the academia-industry gap through design thinking: research innovation sprints
Edward Elgar Publishing
March 10, 2023
The infamous gap existing between academia and industry has its root causes in the different approaches, methods, goals, and funding modes that these two worlds follow. Researchers are striving to increase the impact of their work in the ‘real-world’, while industry partners are looking to leverage the solidity and rigour of scholarly investigations. As an answer to multiplying calls for academic research to increase its impact on society, in this chapter, we present a selection of 30 design-led, problem-focused innovation projects called Research Innovation Sprints (RIS). Conducted by the QUT Centre for the Digital Economy, these engagement and research formats are enrooted in Design Thinking and mainly adopt design-led methods to allow rapid exploration of innovative opportunities and co-create viable solutions to solve client organisations’ problems. We share our learnings from running RIS to propose them as an innovative approach to conducting quality research whilst delivering real-world impact.

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Tags: Design Thinking, Innovation

Human after all: The evolution of work in the digital age
International perspectives and research on the 'future of work'.
March 10, 2020
The global economic and social landscape is changing the way we work. There is an ongoing debate on the actual meaning of the change, spanning from massive job destruction to massive job creation, as well as exploring the changing nature of work in general. In this chapter, we focus specifically on understanding the evolution of work from being characterized as the transfer of capital (from those who have it to those who need it), to a purpose-driven model where employees are in charge. This is not a discussion about “robots taking our jobs“. This chapter is also not a discussion about the gig economy being the future model of work. Here, we focus on the vast opportunities emerging in the future of work and the growing possibilities for human contribution: the future of work being human after all.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Future of Work

The Business Consequences of a Digitally Transformed Economy
Shaping the Digital Enterprise
September 27, 2016
The prevalence of digital technologies is forcing organizations to re-imagine the way their business models are configured, the way their business processes are designed, and the way they work in what is known today as a digital economy. While this brings a plethora of challenges due to the disruptive nature of digital technologies, the digital economy is also bringing plenty of promising opportunities for those who are aware and prepared to embrace the digital evolution. As such, it is imperative for digital enterprises to be opportunity-driven, as soon as they have identified a business problem that can be tackled. They can do so by leveraging the five emerging digitalization trends we are witnessing today, namely: (1) hyper connectivity, (2) supercomputing, (3) cloud computing, (4) smarter world, and (5) cyber security. In this chapter, we describe each trend, what it entails, and what its implications are for enterprises steering towards digitization by leveraging the five digitalization trends. We show how enterprises that benefit from these trends are able to attain not only competitive advantage through innovation, but also adapt to the changing circumstances while capturing new opportunities by means of transforming the way they run their business in the digital economy.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation

2 Conference Publications
Understanding Digital Transformation from a Holistic Perspective
Twenty-fifth Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems
July 12, 2021
Research on digital transformation is limited by two perceptions: Its definition is unclear and it particularity affects organizations. However, digital transformation additionally changes industries, individuals, communities, and economies. To shift our understanding of digital transformation, we investigate dimensions and underlying characteristics that comprise digital transformation. We use a review and theorizing approach to develop a model of digital transformation: five levels of analysis for digital transformation, i.e., individual, community, organization, industry, and economy, and their underlying characteristics, i.e., resources, processes, and values. For each level of analysis, we use illustrative case examples to show how digital transformation affects this characteristic. We contribute with a holistic model of digital transformation that supports decision-making in firms and politics.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

Decision-making with artificial intelligence: Towards a novel conceptualization of patterns.
2020 Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems
June 22, 2020
The rapidly increasing amount of data available in society and business drives the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As the number of AI-based services is increasing, customers delegate intimate and relevant decisions to AI. However, current literature lacks understanding of what patterns of decision-making processes with AI involved exist, and it remains unclear how to structure and classify AI-based services accordingly. Therefore, we present and evaluate a set of seven patterns of decisionmaking processes with AI involved. Building on decision-making theory as justificatory knowledge, we focus on the business-to-customer context to provide a novel perspective on the interactions of customers with AI. We apply the patterns to real-world examples of companies offering AI-based services. Our work contributes to the descriptive knowledge of AI and decision-making theory providing a foundation for future research and supporting practitioners in designing AI-based services.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

1 Courseware
The Business Opportunities of a Digitally Transformed Economy
openSAP
February 24, 2021
Since our first openSAP course on digital transformation and its impact in 2015, the world has changed even more than we could have imagined. Many businesses have already started their journey towards a digitally transformed economy, while others are just starting out. There are many catalysts of change which challenge companies to reconsider their traditional business models, and in 2020 there are even more than expected.

Given the unprecedented pace of change we’ve experienced in the last 5 years, we’d like to share the latest trends, industry examples, predictions, and best practices with you.

This nutshell course will give you food for thought on how you can make your company more resilient, profitable, and sustainable. After sharing the bigger picture of the digitally transformed economy, we’ll focus on “drivers of change” that accelerate business transformation and then discuss the “value lever model”, which helps to identify and optimize areas that make your business more profitable.

Sven Denecken and Bert Schulze will once again be your hosts, joined by Corina Kinzel from SAP and Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz, Director at the QUT University (Brisbane Australia), who will share his perspective on the economy of algorithms and the characteristics of resilient businesses. Also presenting the course is Jan Waals from Deloitte LLP, a recognized global leader in digital transformation, who will share first-hand customer experiences with you.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation

1 Faculty Member
Chair in Digital Economy
Queensland University of Technology
August 03, 2015
The aims of the Chair are fourfold:

- To investigate the digital economy by developing a research portfolio that uncovers the dynamics of the digital economy and how it impacts Brisbane, Australia and the world.
- To educate corporate partners and students by providing internationally leading courses and executive education in aspects of the Digital Economy.
- To facilitate participation in the digital economy through advocacy and service provision to help organisations, especially newer and smaller firms develop their digital capabilities.
- To stimulate the growth of the digital economy by spreading the word on the benefits and game changing opportunities that result from developing digital capabilities.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

2 Founders
Queensland Artificial Intelligence Hub
Queensland AI Hub
May 05, 2020
QLD AI Hub brings founders, tech experts, innovators, business, government, and research together through programs, promotion, and events. Our aim is to accelerate AI/ML adoption and capability, improve productivity through technology, and support job generation and economic growth.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

I2G: Business Information Systems Institute
I2G
August 22, 2006
I2G Business Information Systems Institute Ltd is a Polish SME established in 2006 by researchers and practitioners in the area of Information Systems. It is a spin-off set up to conduct innovative projects with required strong research involvement and potential for commercialization. Its main capital is the know-how of its founders.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Innovation

4 Journal Publications
Metaverse-enabled entrepreneurship
Journal of Business Venturing Insights
June 01, 2023
Metaverse is expected to be a trillion-dollar market within this decade and to change the nature of entrepreneurship. However, research on metaverse, its opportunities, and challenges, as well as the nature of entrepreneurship remains scarce. This study lays out a framework to explore metaverse-enabled entrepreneurship with its enablers for supply and demand, and technological and social enablers. We show how metaverse enables transformational pathways, i.e., purely virtual, physical to virtual, virtual to physical, and hybrid, and shapes offerings, ventures, and processes. We discuss the implications for entrepreneurship research and lay out a future research agenda so that research can lead and inform practice.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Metaverse

The physical frictionless experience: a slippery slope for experience memorability of retail services?
The Service Industries Journal
September 20, 2022
Service industries are increasingly creating physical frictionless experiences to reduce effort for customers so they are able to ‘just walk out’. However, frictionless experiences can reduce memorability which can in turn reduce share of wallet. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between customer effort and experience memorability in a just-walk-out physical frictionless experience. Interviews were conducted with 30 customers using a simulated frictionless retail experience. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis. This study found that a just-walk-out physical frictionless experience consists of transferable positive and negative effort with physical, cognitive, and interpersonal components. A second finding was that the reduction of customer effort is facilitated by removing high interpersonal effort which is associated with a more forgettable, or slippery, experience. Individual differences that appear to play a role in desire for effortful human interaction, shopping value type, attitude towards technology and age were identified.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Retail

How SME Watkins Steel Transformed from Traditional Steel Fabrication to Digital Service Provision
MIS Quarterly Executive
September 01, 2022
There are many digital transformation success stories involving large enterprises, but few small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have explored and initiated their digital transformations. This article describes the large-scale digital transformation journey of Watkins Steel, an Australian medium-sized steel fabricator, to become a leading digital services provider. The case offers unique insights into how SMEs can apply two strategic digital transformation concepts—augmentation and adjacency— to reimagine their businesses, capitalizing on rich yet underexplored opportunities while not departing from their existing core business.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Innovation

Leveraging industry 4.0–A business model pattern framework
International Journal of Production Economics
July 01, 2020
Industry 4.0 (I4.0), also known as the fourth industrial revolution, describes the digitalization of manufacturing industries. The transition to I4.0 is crucial for manufacturing firms to sustain competitive advantage and seize new opportunities. Most research has focused on the technological aspects of I4.0 in the form of product and process innovations. Despite I4.0's rising attention from both researchers and practitioners, little research exists about I4.0 business model (BM) innovation, even though BM innovations can be more successful than product or process innovations. To address this research gap, we analyze 32 case studies of I4.0 BM innovators. We develop a taxonomy to characterize I4.0 BMs and derive 13 patterns of I4.0 BMs by applying the taxonomy to the case studies. Three super-patterns are identified: integration, servitization, and expertization. Integration innovates a BM with new processes and integrates parts of the supply chain. New combined products and services are the basis for servitization. Expertization is a hybrid of product- and process-focused BMs, which includes consulting services and multi-sided platforms. This study contributes to research with a framework for describing, analyzing, and classifying BMs for I4.0. The findings deepen the understanding of how I4.0 impacts ecosystem roles, BMs, and service systems. Archetypal patterns show how firms can leverage I4.0 concepts and build a conceptual basis for future research. The taxonomy supports practitioners in evaluating the I4.0-readiness of their existing BM. The patterns additionally illustrate opportunities for becoming an I4.0 firm.

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Digital Transformation

26 Keynotes
Deciphering the impact of AI on Business and Building the “Algorithmic Enterprise”
SAPInsider
March 19, 2024
In this immersive session, we will explore the impact of the recent advances in artificial intelligence on the business world. Starting with the emerging concept of “algorithmic enterprise”, we will unveil how successful organisations tap into the potential of artificial intelligence to achieve revenue automation, continuous evolution, and customer relationship saturation. 
Executives and leaders will:
• Engage in hands-on activities to understand the potential for their organisations to lead and thrive in an increasingly AI-centric economy.
• Explore the building blocks of a successful AI strategy and the partnerships needed to ensure a successful strategy execution.
• Gain practical advice on selecting the right use cases and pilots within your organization.
• Expand their understanding of core AI concepts and how they can be applied. 

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Economy of Algorithms: AI and Rise of the Digital Minions
SXSW
March 11, 2024
In the session, Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz will delve into how algorithms, including artificial intelligence, are fundamentally shifting the way we live, work, and think. He will introduce this world by sharing several exciting stories and touching upon a variety of topics, from algorithmic trading and DAOs to the role of AI in day-to-day business operations and its implications for society. And will discuss the outsized impact algorithms have on our lives, what's coming, and how to prepare for this new world.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Opening Keynote: AI and the future of leadership
Women in Leadership Summit
November 28, 2023
This keynote explores the transformative role of AI in the digital economy, where our 'digital minions' are not just tools but partners in decision-making. We'll delve into strategies for leaders to harness the power of algorithms for innovation, growth, and sustainable advantage, ensuring that human insight and artificial intelligence together shape a resilient and inclusive future for all in the digital era.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Leadership

The Future with AI: We’re Shifting to the Next Gear – How Will you Respond?
MasteringSAP
November 13, 2023
In the opening keynote, “The Future with AI: We’re shifting to the next gear – How will you respond?”, Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz will give us insights into rapidly evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence through the metaphor of shifting gears. Drawing upon his extensive experience, Marek will not only explore the technical leaps characterizing each ‘gear shift’ in AI but also highlight the mindsets required for individuals and organisations to succeed in these transformative times. Prepare for an eye-opening journey that evaluates where we are, anticipates where we’re going, and challenges us to rethink our approaches to AI.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Is AI my work colleague… or my replacement?
Futures Collaborative Brisbane
November 08, 2023
In this spring addition of the futures collaborative, we will explore the exciting and scary world of AI and how it will transform our organisations. We will practice some scenario development techniques to explore possible futures.

This session aims to delve into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on the workplace. We will explore how AI is not just a futuristic concept, but a reality that is reshaping our work environment today.

In this seminar, we will discuss the dual role of AI as both a colleague and a potential replacement in various industries.

We will examine how AI can augment human capabilities, acting as a digital colleague that can enhance productivity and innovation. Conversely, we will also address the concerns about AI potentially replacing human jobs and what that means for the future of work. Join us as we navigate this fascinating topic together. [YES written by AI]

We will be joined by two AI experts. Firstly **Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz** will give us a current update on AI technology and how it is shaping our work. This will be followed by **Dr Elissa Farrow** who will take us on a deeper dive into organisational change and how AI can help shape the business landscape.

We will use this as inspiration to workshop some scenario development techniques – bring your device with your favourite AI generator and we will see how these can help (or hinder us) with this task.

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Tags: AI, Future of Work, Generative AI

Opening Keynote: The Future of Work in the Algorithm Economy
Collegium Da Vinci
October 26, 2023
As AI technologies continue to advance, their influence on the workplace is becoming increasingly pivotal. These intelligent systems not only automate tasks but are now capable of generating new business strategies, artistic creations, and even code. Marek will explore the transformative impact of AI on work and organizational structures in the emerging economy of algorithms.
This keynote will delve into the strategic imperatives for leaders who wish to harness the unprecedented capabilities of AI. How can we integrate these systems into decision-making processes? What are the ethical considerations in relying on AI for generative tasks? And crucially, what mindset is required to successfully navigate the evolving workspace in the economy of algorithms?

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Commercialisation in the age of AI
Knowledge Commercialisation Australia
October 11, 2023
This thought-provoking session will explore the implications of emerging technology on our society, economy, and thought processes, including the transformative power of AI in driving innovation and reshaping future industries and the nature of work.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Generative AI

Innovation - Powering future industries
Wavell State High School
August 24, 2023
Both students and staff were informed of the new frontier of AI and the unique challenges and opportunities that it poses. Students were challenged to think about the prospects that AI would provide in their futures and the types of industries and jobs that would become available in their futures.

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Tags: AI, EdTech, Generative AI

The Economy of Algorithms
QUT
August 22, 2023
In the lecture on 'The Economy of Algorithms' for the BSB105 The Future Enterprise unit at QUT, students were introduced to the fast-paced world of technological innovation and its impact on contemporary business. Focused on the interconnectedness of technologies and the autonomy of algorithms, the lecture explored how algorithms are reshaping traditional roles and creating new opportunities for human creativity and efficiency. The session aligned with the unit's goal to develop resilience and agility, equipping students to navigate future business scenarios and succeed in an algorithm-driven world. This lecture serves as a practical example of how the future of work is already unfolding, preparing students to adapt and thrive in a constantly changing landscape.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Generative AI

Innovation and Disruption in the Digital Age
Queensland Leaders
August 10, 2023
The application of ideation lenses in innovating business value propositions.

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Tags: Creativity, Innovation

The use of AI in Business
The CEO Institute
July 19, 2023
A session with a CEO Institute's syndicate. Topic: the use of Generative AI in business.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Generative AI: Opportunities and Impact
AI4Diversity
July 13, 2023

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Generative AI

Better Boards Conference Opening Keynote
Better Boards Conference
June 02, 2023
How will the economy of algorithms shape the future of boards?
We live in a world in which bots engage with other bots, people, and businesses. These bots have a signifi cant impact on individuals, organisations, and the economy. Marek will discuss how organisations should respond in this new economy. Can artificial intelligence be of meaningful help to boards? What governance
mechanisms should be introduced? How should decision-makers collaborate with artificially intelligent agents?

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Generative AI

How AI can support private practices
Australian Medical Association Queensland
March 18, 2023
Don’t miss our keynote speaker, an international expert in digital disruption Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz, at the Private Practice Finance, Innovation and Technology Conference on Saturday 18 March.

The PwC Chair of Digital Economy at QUT’s Centre for Future Enterprise will share the many ways artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping the healthcare sector, and the opportunities that await private practices with the foresight to embrace it.

Discover how AI can support private practices:

Impact of new AI models on healthcare – including drug discovery and the use of AI in healthcare/rehabilitation.
Broad impacts of ChatGPT on private practices.
The exciting, worrying, challenging and promising space for the inclusion of AI in supporting health practitioners.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, HealthTech

Imagine what it might mean for healthcare in future with AI supporting health practitioners
https://www.ama.com.au/qld/events/medical-careers-expo-2023
March 18, 2023
The impact of AI on future health practitioners.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, HealthTech

The Algorithmic Enterprise
QUT Centre for Future Enterprise
November 30, 2022
Are algorithms tyrants or our friends? Or both? Algorithms rule our economy today, but how much do you know about them, their quirks, their roles and their potential? You may not, for example, have asked yourself the following questions, but you most certainly need to know the answers:
• Are your employees hiring “digital minions”?
• How can you advertise to a fridge?
• Could your organisation become human-less, and survive?

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Mastering SAP Closing Keynote
Mastering SAP Technologies
November 15, 2022

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

How to beat the robots: a guide to ensure your students stay ahead in the age of AI
IPS Alliance Leadership Day
October 31, 2022
Is artificial intelligence the end of education as we know it? In this presentation, we'll explore the impact of AI on education and how it will shape the future of our children.

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Tags: AI, EdTech, Generative AI

The digital economy and the future of public services in Australia
Department of Resources, Queensland Government
October 25, 2022
The digital transformation undertaken in the private sector has exceeded the pace of transformation of government-citizen service delivery and associated policymaking. With increasing pressure to deliver solutions for complex social problems like climate change, poverty, migration, and inequality, and the decreasing economic resources, governments are increasingly expected to do more with less.

Public sector organisations have a high potential for initiating and delivering transformational digital initiatives. The abundance of data, as well as experience in large-scale transformational projects, should make digital transformation easy. However, there are challenges posed by large-scale digital transformation projects: a need for a holistic perspective, challenges in managing sensitive data, and a tendency to stick to well-known approaches rather than experimenting with new ones. Failing to overcome these challenges may lead to failed or misdirected digital transformation initiatives.

In his talk, Prof. Kowalkiewicz will focus on the opportunities for public sector transformation that the digital economy brings. He will share his team’s research on the future of public services in Australia, and explore the future shaped by the emerging trends in business, technology, and society. He will also share advice on the next steps for the public sector to take to remain relevant.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, GovTech

The Economy of Algorithms
QUT Centre for Future Enterprise
October 13, 2022
In the last several months, we have seen an explosion in examples of computer algorithms. They're often classified under an umbrella label of artificial intelligence. Their performance is at least matching the performance of an average human. Often it far exceeds our skills. While this is old news in areas such as mathematical calculations, information retrieval or data storage, the new developments show the dominance of algorithms in areas considered safe until now: creative text, image, and video creation.

This superior performance of algorithms in areas that have long been seen as human-only has led many to believe these software artefacts are becoming "sentient". As a result, many of us are increasingly comfortable handing over agency to these tools.

Given these developments, what is the nature of creativity and what is human thought but a collection of firing neurons? Is that it for the human race? In his talk, Marek will not waste much time pondering such philosophical questions. They're important, sure, but that's not Marek's skill. Instead, he will ask another set of questions:
- what does the superiority of algorithms, combined with their increased agency, mean for business?
- what happens when algorithms become employees, managers, customers, and even entire organisations?
- what new (research) questions emerge?
- what should we do when a computer says no?

Marek's session will cover several papers he co-authored in the past. But the bulk of it will be about opportunities for future research in the emerging economy of algorithms.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Brisbane meets Munich
German Australian Business Council e.V.
October 04, 2022
What is happening in the Queensland AI Hub? Marek Kowalkiewicz reports by recorded video to the meeting in Munich „Brisbane meets Munich“.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI

The Economy of Algorithms
apidays
September 14, 2022
Are algorithms tyrants or our friends? Or both? Algorithms rule our economy today, but how much do you know about them, their quirks, their roles and their potential?
- Are your employees hiring “digital minions”?
- How can you advertise to a fridge?
- Could your organisation become human-less, and survive?
Welcome to the “economy of algorithms”. It’s a world in which algorithms engage with other algorithms (and people) to create and consume value. It’s here, and it’s growing.

In this talk, I'll share my research on how the economy of algorithms is changing the way we live, work and think. I'll answer why the API economy is an enabler of this fascinating new world. I will draw a picture of the future that is both optimistic and realistic.  

You, too, can join the organisations riding the wave of opportunities created by the economy of algorithms. Join me to understand the forces that will reshape your businesses into the future.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Generative AI

The Economy of Algorithms
Queensland Leaders
August 25, 2022
Are algorithms tyrants or our friends? Or both? Algorithms rule our economy today, but how much do you know about them, their quirks, their roles and their potential? You may not, for example, have asked yourself the following questions … but you most certainly need to know the answers:
- Are your employees hiring “digital minions”?
- How can you advertise to a fridge?
- Could your organisation become human-less and survive?
- Do you know what’s possible today in your business that wasn't possible yesterday?

Welcome to the “economy of algorithms”. It’s a world in which algorithms engage with other algorithms (and people) to create and consume value. It’s here, and it’s growing.

During the session, Marek Kowalkiewicz, a professor in the school of management at Queensland University of Technology and globally renowned digital economy expert, will outline how the economy of algorithms is changing the way we live, work, and think. 

In that economy some businesses thrive, and others are left behind, unable to understand what made them fail. The leaders that prosper in this emerging economy are the RACERS—businesses that focus on relentless automation (RA), continuous evolution (CE), and relationship saturation (RS).

Prof. Kowalkiewicz will introduce the nine rules for flourishing in the economy of algorithms, based on his study of—and consulting work with—the largest, fastest-moving businesses across China, Singapore, Silicon Valley and Australia.

You, too, can join the RACERS – the organisations riding the wave of opportunities created by the economy of algorithms. This workshop is a must for business leaders searching for ways to understand the forces that will reshape their businesses into the future.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Time Machines, Teleporters, and Translators: reimagining value in the Digital Economy
Australian Library and Information Association
November 10, 2021
Digital technologies warp the fabric of space and time. Not in the physical sense, but definitely in our perceptions. They also transform our abilities to comprehend the world around us. In this session, Marek will share stories of digital transformation through the three lenses of time machines, teleporters, and translators. He will also distil core findings and translate them into recommendations for successful digital transformation. What can libraries learn from these different perspectives? How can they reimagine the value they provide in their ecosystems? Let’s explore!

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation

Are you digitising or digitalising? Thriving in the digital economy.
EduTECH 2021
August 17, 2021
The digital economy has been a significant positive trend in the world and a big headache for many of us who do not want to fall behind. It is no longer enough for organisations to focus on process improvements, automation or cost reduction. To thrive in the digital economy, it is critical to be able to look for new opportunities, find and capitalise on them.

In his session, Marek will discuss the significant difference between digitising and digitalising an organisation and discuss where and when each of the two approaches is important. He will introduce new ways of looking at customers and partners, creating a broader perspective beyond product and service features and industry boundaries. He will also talk about the new, emerging economy of algorithms. And finally, he will cover the concept of systemic ideation, allowing organisations to approach innovation in a much more predictable way.

Most importantly, he’ll make you ask yourself one question: are you digitising or digitalising?

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Tags: AI, EdTech

4 Media Interviews
RoboCop Meets RoboLawyer: Discussing the Algorithm Economy with Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz
YouTube
November 20, 2023
Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of our podcast series, where we step into the future with Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz, Chair in Digital Economy at Queensland University of Technology. As our first non-lawyer guest, he brings a unique and exciting perspective on AI and the burgeoning economy of algorithms.

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Tags: AI

Digital identity
ABC Radio Brisbane
November 01, 2023
I had the pleasure to chat with Steve Austin on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Radio, Brisbane about the recent rollout of the digital driver's licence in Queensland and the broader spectrum of digital identity and data management.

Credit where credit's due: great job team behind the digital licence! I happen to know very well how long and tricky this journey has been. Kudos!

Steve and I talked about the potential positives of digital identity matching, such as ease of identification, while also touching on the darker facets like the continuous 'digital lineup' we may find ourselves in (this has less to do with the licence, and more with some recent legislative work in Australia - listen to the recording). As the realms of digital identification expand, the conversation around data privacy and legislation becomes increasingly paramount. It's a tightrope between convenience and privacy, and I couldn't help but tap into Spider-Man's wisdom: "With great power comes great responsibility."

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, GovTech

Operation Renewed Hope identifies more than 300 probable victims of child sexual abuse using controversial AI
ABC News
August 24, 2023
A global investigation has identified more than 300 probable victims of child sexual abuse with the help of facial recognition technology that is currently banned in Australia.

The children's identities were previously considered cold cases — some decades old — with not enough distinguishable clues in the online abuse material seized by authorities to identify them.

Operation Renewed Hope, run by Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crimes Centre's Child Exploitation Investigations Unit out of the United States, finished earlier this month.

It involved two Australian investigators.

But the technology used to identify hundreds of victims is banned here, after it was found to breach the Australian Privacy Act.

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Tags: AI, Privacy, Security

'I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that': Artificial Intelligence expert warns that there may already be a 'slightly conscious' AI out in the world
Daily Mail Australia
February 13, 2022
OpenAI cofounder, Ilya Sutskever, claims artificial intelligence is conscious
He didn't specify which neural network had reached this stage, if any at all
Experts called out his claim as being 'off the mark' and called him 'full of it'
They suggest we don't have human level intelligence, let alone consciousness

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption

11 Panels
Book Launch: Faking It! by Toby Walsh
Queensland AI Hub
November 14, 2023
Join the Queensland AI Hub and QUT to celebrate the launch of Professor Toby Walsh’s latest book – Faking It: Artificial Intelligence in a Human World.

​A short conversation with Toby Walsh and Prof Marek Kowalkiewicz – Professor and Chair in Digital Economy at QUT, and Q&A will be followed by drinks, canapes, networking and book signing.

​About the Book:
Artificial Intelligence is, as the name suggests, artificial and fundamentally different to human intelligence. Yet often the goal of AI Is to fake human intelligence. This deceit has been there from the very beginning. We’ve been trying to fake it since Alan Turing answered the question ‘Can machines think?’ by proposing that machines pretend to be humans.

​Now we are starting to build AI that truly deceives us. Powerful AIs such as ChatGPT can convince us they are intelligent and blur the distinction between what is real and what is simulated. In reality, they lack true understanding, sentience and common sense. But this doesn’t mean they can’t change the world.

​Can AI systems ever be creative? Can they be moral? What can we do to ensure they are not harmful? In this fun and fascinating book, Professor Toby Walsh explores all the ways AI fakes it, and what this means for humanity – now and in the future.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI

Leading the Adoption of AI
Queensland Futures Institute
October 18, 2023
AI is changing the way we work, live and play. New technologies are evolving rapidly. What will the future hold for the next 5-10 years?

Our panel of experts will provide an insight as to how organisations will adapt to the ever changing pace of AI. They will explore the cultural transformation, skills required, ethical considerations and the opportunities and challenges in embracing the adoption of AI.

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

Artificial Intelligence: Barriers, Opportunities, and the Future Landscape
QUT College of Excellence
October 09, 2023
The QUT College of Excellence hosted a panel night on 'Artificial Intelligence: Barriers, Opportunities, and the Future Landscape', where we delved into the future of AI and the exciting prospects it brings!

The evening gathered five industry experts and academic luminaries who shared their insights on the barriers and opportunities in the world of AI. We discussed the impact on various industries and its implications for our future.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Innovation

From mundane to marvellous: Generative AI for fast decision making.
Something Digital
August 29, 2023
Once we skip away from the parlour tricks of generative AI, we delve into the real value of automation and augmentation, discovering a realm where neglected or large datasets become valuable information sources for decision-making.

What does data science decision modelling look like through the lens of available AI tools? How do we overcome challenges such as data privacy? What does this mean for the future of data science? And how can you effectively harness AI to enhance your decision-making process?

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Generative AI

Emerging AI will soon defeat the regulation of curriculum and assessment
Australasian Curriculum, Assessment and Certification Authorities Conference 2023
August 03, 2023
From time to time, global disruptions create transformative challenges for education systems. No-one needs to be reminded of the impact of COVID-19 on education systems the world over.

While it was dramatic and frightening, the pandemic disruptor also had an element of familiarity. Perhaps this was because the strategies for managing it were unsurprising — tighter regulation, lock-downs, sanitisation, a frantic search for a preventive or cure. The imperative was to cleanse and eliminate.

As the door closes on this profound disruptor, it feels like another slipped through while it was ajar. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been influencing our lives for some time, but the discourse around the new digital disruptor seems to have been propelled by the pandemic condition. The greater the atomisation of society, the greater our reliance on digital means to stay connected and informed, to preserve familiar ways of living. During the pandemic, technology became the saviour for work, recreation and education. We embraced it wholeheartedly; but then ChatGPT gave us a reason to be cautious. The prospect of limitless possibilities, ultrafast change and apparent uncontrollability is not so comforting.

There is no avoiding the challenge if we are to do justice to students. The 2020 Shergold [report on senior secondary pathways](https://www.education.gov.au/quality-schools-package/resources/looking-future-report-review-senior-secondary-pathways-work-further-education-and-training) recognised that today’s students face a range of challenges resulting from technological change, globalisation and automation. It recommended that digital literacy should join literacy and numeracy as a new essential competency.

Schools too are finding ways to incorporate new technologies in their educational programs. A cursory glance at the topics of recent and forthcoming education conferences shows that teachers are becoming more familiar with the uses of AI, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) — the metaverse classroom is a concept that we will surely have to get used to.

Shergold’s observation was timely; and yet it was made without explicit reference to AI. Just three years on and the stakes now seem immeasurably higher. Digital literacy for students and the use of edtech in schools are among our top priorities.

It follows that digital acculturation is necessary for curriculum and assessment authorities if we are to ensure senior secondary certificates of education remain relevant, valued and trusted. What does it mean for our syllabuses, our assessment techniques, our development processes and our support for schools?

Should we take our cue from the pandemic and aim to harness AI through restriction and control, finessing it into existing education models? Or should we see this as folly, and instead embrace the creation of a new education paradigm where technology sets the pace?

Our panel of experts will explore this dilemma from different perspectives — ethics and equity, academic integrity, digital economy, social and political disruption, etc. After offering some initial responses to the session provocation, they will engage in further discussion and debate, prompted by the moderator.

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Tags: AI, EdTech, Emerging Technology

Changing the Conversation: Cultural and Human Rights in the Digital Age
Multicultural Australia
June 14, 2023
Facilitated by Benjamin Law, and featuring a panel of experts, the discussion will explore approaches to individually and collectively navigate the challenges, and opportunities of living in an era of seemingly unstoppable technology and new forms of community and culture shaped by online and offline interactions.
The digital world offers many different experiences. We are more connected, and at the same time more remote. The start-up movement has transformed our workplaces and our public lives are increasingly being lived from the privacy of our homes.
In the age of opportunity, where technology has the potential to build cultural bridges, enable greater inclusion and equal opportunity through increased connectivity, innovation, and transformation of services, how can we overcome the many challenges that come with technological advancements? Issues such as the digital exclusion of historically marginalised groups, the impact of systemic bias being embedded into AI systems and algorithms, and a lack of appropriate safeguards to protect the vulnerable have the potential to make our society more unequal.

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Tags: AI, Culture

Exploring opportunities for the education sector
IPS Alliance Leadership Day
October 31, 2022
Facilitated by Sophie Renton, with Dr Jordan Nguyen, Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz and Dr Luke Houghton

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Tags: AI, EdTech, Generative AI

Secrets of Bilingualism – Language and AI
Queensland AI Hub
October 12, 2022
The Queensland AI Hub are proud to be collaborating Office of the Honorary Consul of Germany as part of Brisbane German Week to bring you this exciting panel presentation of data scientists, language researchers, German teachers, families, students and AI experts.

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Tags: AI, EdTech, Generative AI

Game Changers: In conversation with Queensland business leader Alex Dreiling
Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame
June 23, 2022
Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame and State Library of Queensland is proud to present Alex Dreiling, CEO and Co-Founder of Clipchamp, now General Manager at Microsoft.

"Don’t get comfortable in your comfort zone. The world around you will change – learn to feel comfortable outside your comfort zone."
Alex Dreiling, CEO and co-founder Clipchamp
Alex will be in a conversation with Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz, Founding Director of Centre for the Digital Economy at QUT, that is guaranteed to be inspirational, candid and thought-provoking.

Learn from Queensland’s leading entrepreneurs in business, technology and the creative industries at Game Changers.

Game Changers is a Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame initiative presented by State Library of Queensland, QUT Business School and the Queensland Library Foundation.

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Tags: Digital Disruption, Innovation, Startups

A New Frontier for AI and the Arts
Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art
June 20, 2022
In June 2022, the QAGOMA Foundation hosted a panel discussion ‘A New Frontier for AI and the Arts’, engaging representatives from Brisbane’s technology in a discussion exploring the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and cultural practice, and shared research and outcomes of the ‘Unlock the Collection’ project.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI

Book Launch: Machines Behaving Badly, The Morality of AI by Toby Walsh
Queensland AI Hub
May 26, 2022
Join us for the launch of Machines Behaving Badly: The Morality of AI by Toby Walsh.

Can we build moral machines? Toby Walsh, AI expert, examines the ethical issues we face in a future dominated by artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence is an essential part of our lives – for better or worse. It can be used to influence what we buy, who gets shortlisted for a job and even how we vote. Without AI, medical technology wouldn’t have come so far, we’d still be getting lost on backroads in our GPS-free cars, and smartphones wouldn’t be so, well, smart. But as we continue to build more intelligent and autonomous machines, what impact will this have on humanity and the planet?

Professor Toby Walsh, a world-leading researcher in the field of artificial intelligence, explores the ethical considerations and unexpected consequences AI poses – Is Alexa racist? Can robots have rights? What happens if a self-driving car kills someone? What limitations should we put on the use of facial recognition?

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption

4 Podcasts
RoboCop Meets RoboLawyer
MondAI BAIgel
November 20, 2023
Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of our podcast series, where we step into the future with Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz, Chair in Digital Economy at Queensland University of Technology. As our first non-lawyer guest, he brings a unique and exciting perspective on AI and the burgeoning economy of algorithms.

In this riveting episode, we delve into:
The Economy of Algorithms: Understand how digital agents like AI, bots, and robots are not just part of our economy – they're actively creating and consuming value.
Digital Minions in the Legal World: Explore the invasion of digital assistants in legal practices. How are they reshaping the landscape?
RoboLawyer Explained: What exactly is a RoboLawyer, and how is this concept transforming legal services and practices?
Legal World Automation Scale: On a scale from 1 (fully human-driven) to 5 (completely automated), where does the legal industry currently stand in its automation journey?

Plus, we dive into much more, discussing the implications, possibilities, and future trajectories of AI in the legal and economic realms.

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Tags: AI, Generative AI, Legal and IP

Automation: Hype vs. Reality
The Digital Week
January 01, 2019
On this episode of The Digital Week podcast, Prof Marek Kowalkiewicz is joined by QUT Business School's, Prof Kevin Desouza.

How long until we're sipping Piña Coladas while robots do all the work?
QUT's Prof Kevin Desouza joins Marek to break down the hype vs. reality of job automation and discuss why in a digital world, digital natives are most out of work.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

Hiding In Plain Sight - Part 1 - Trends shaping the way we WORK
The Digital Week
January 01, 2019
In this episode of Hiding in Plain Sight, Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz and Dr Paula Dootson discuss trends shaping work of the future.

This is a part of a three episode series exploring future trends surrounding working, living, and thinking.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Future of Work

Silicon Valley meets Bris-Vegas
The Digital Week Podcast
August 07, 2015
Professor Michael Rosemann and Monica Bradley welcome Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz to the digital week and the role of PwC Chair in Digital Economy. Professor Kowalkiewicz discusses:

- Brisbane's global reach in the digital economy;
- the domestic opportunities in robots; and
- DIY and the maker movement

We want to hear your thoughts and comments in response to jobs you'd like to see robots do and job opportunities in the future - can you imagine a day when we accessorise our robots?

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

2 Professors
Professor and Chair in Digital Economy
Queensland University of Technology
August 03, 2015
Marek is a Professor and Chair in Digital Economy at QUT Business School. He joined QUT from Silicon Valley, where he led global innovation teams as a Senior Director at SAP. Before Silicon Valley, Marek worked in Singapore as a Research Manager of SAP's Machine Learning lab. Prior to that, Marek was a Global Research Program Lead of one of SAP’s main research programs, as well as a Research Fellow at Microsoft Research Asia. His upcoming book is called "Digital Minions, AI and the new economy of algorithms" He is a keen long-distance trail runner.

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Tags: AI, Business Strategy, Digital Transformation

Assistant Professor
Poznan University of Economics and Business
October 01, 2002
Responsible for FP6 projects at the department of management information systems. PhD thesis in an area of web content extraction.

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Tags: AI, Digital Disruption, Digital Transformation

1 Speaker Certification
Professional Speakers Australia Associate Member
Professional Speakers Australia
November 21, 2023
Professional Speakers Australia offers quality programs and events, unparalleled peer-to-peer support and an accreditation pathway to empower professional speakers to hone their craft, amplify their impact and thrive in their business.

As an independent and not-for-profit organisation, PSA develops, promotes and upholds the highest standard of excellence for its members and the industry at large. We are a founding member of the Global Speakers Federation and are one of only two international organisations that grants the Certified Speaking Professional designation.

Issued Nov, 2023 – Expired Nov, 2024

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Tags: AI, Digital Transformation, Generative AI

1 Webinar
The Curious Enterprise
QUT Center for Future Enterprise
November 11, 2021
The Curious Enterprise
'The aimless exploration in business isn’t pointless… The more knowledge you have, the better you may be positioned in the future.'

- Prof Marek Kowalkiewicz

In the second webinar of the series, Stephen D. Eppinger from MIT Sloan and Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz from QUT discussed The Curious Enterprise. Discover how you can create a curious enterprise with insights from our global experts, including:

A little bit of process goes a long way
Ongoing reflection
Embrace aimless exploration
Curiosity is an attitude
Move from knowing to asking.
Watch the recording to learn more.

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Tags: AI, Innovation

Thinkers360 Credentials

15 Badges

Radar

1 Prediction
Generative AI will make the Stock Photo Industry unviable

Date : October 26, 2023

Given how easy it is to create images using Generative AI, there will be a massive drop in demand for stock photography. Indeed, I am already hearing from businesses that prefer generative AI images over stock photography for several reasons. For instance, school prefer to use their own site photos with "generated" students.

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Opportunities

1 Keynote
The Economy of Algorithms

Location: Worldwide    Fees: 10000

Service Type: Service Offered

Are algorithms tyrants or our friends? Or both? Algorithms rule our economy today, but how much do you know about them, their quirks, their roles and their potential?

Are your employees hiring “digital minions”?
How can you advertise to a fridge?
Could your organisation become human-less, and survive?
Welcome to the “economy of algorithms”. It’s a world in which algorithms engage with other algorithms (and people) to create and consume value. It’s here, and it’s growing.
In this talk, I'll share my research on how the economy of algorithms is changing the way we live, work and think. I will draw a picture of the future that is both optimistic and realistic.

You, too, can join the organisations riding the wave of opportunities created by the economy of algorithms. Join me to understand the forces that will reshape your businesses into the future.

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