Sustainability Transition in the Age of AI

I was invited to give a guest lecture in the EMBA "Disruptive Business Development" at University of Applied Sciences of the Grisons (FHGR). Together with the audience we developed a six-step canvas to reflect on how AI can support the sustainability transition of an existing product or service.

Do we know the problem?

In a first step we reflected on our daily perception and where there is potential for sustainability. Do we know the problem? We turned our attention to the bin. It was full of single-use coffee cups. We therefore put single-use recycable packaging for the dairy industry to the focus of our joint attention.

What is the role of AI?

AI can be considered as a sparring partner to generate ideas, reflect on industry challenges and establish scenario-based analysis. The art is to inform AI in a manner that adds value to the discussion and reflect on the answers, not accept them as given but reflect in the context of our own perception of the environment. We jointly reflected on the current challenges that the industry may face by including bio-based materials into existing processes.

What are the contigency risks?

Reflecting on feasability, potential risks and uncertainty is crucial to prepare and defend for decision making. Why has this problem not been solved to date? What solutions already exist in the market, why did they fail so far? Product quality and regulatory requirments in the context of health and safety in the food industry may be limiting innovative solutions for example.

Can we argue the business case?

Sustainability transition and subsequent transformation is closely bound to profitability. Can we argue the case and present a smart model that sustains the long-term success of the business? What is the true impact that convinces stakeholders and is in line with regulatory requirements? Would the end-consumer be willing to pay a premium for a more sustainable solution to our waste problem?

Call to Action

We concluded with a defined list of next steps to further advance on the topic of recycable single-use packaging for the dairy industry. I especially appreciated the audience rich background across a diverse range of industries that truly benefited the joint brainstorming.