Web Summit Lisbon 2024: Innovation and Ethics in a Future Shaped by AI

The Web Summit Lisbon 2024 report, produced through a partnership between Ideal and Aberje, is now available. As the world’s largest innovation conference, the 2024 edition of Web Summit, held in Lisbon, showcased the delicate balance between technological advancement and ethical responsibility.

The report underscores the critical need to create a conducive environment for the development of artificial intelligence (AI), addressing pressing issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy, transparency, international collaboration, and solutions to global challenges.

Generative AI technology was frequently discussed, with a particular focus on the challenges of regulation and the necessity of equipping the workforce to navigate changes in the labor market. Key trends identified included rising employee turnover driven by the rapid adoption of new technologies and the increasing demand for continuous professional reskilling.

Web Summit also reaffirmed its role as a vital platform for startups, with more than 3,000 companies presenting projects through pitches, mentoring sessions, and panel discussions. Initiatives such as Women in Tech highlighted the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. Leaders like Lidiane Jones, CEO of Bumble, and Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice, shared strategies for fostering safer environments and expanding mentorship opportunities for women in technology.

Sustainability was another central theme of this year’s event, exemplified by the New Energy Summit, which explored topics such as green technologies, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Both startups and global leaders examined how technology can help reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

The event struck an optimistic tone regarding the transformative potential of emerging technologies, which are already reshaping sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture. The discussions highlighted that innovation, when guided by ethical principles and collaborative efforts, can significantly improve global well-being while driving economic growth.

Since 2021, Aberje has participated in Web Summit, which has been held in Lisbon for the last few years. This marks the third partnership between Aberje and Ideal on this initiative. In 2023, the event made its debut in Brazil with the Web Summit Rio edition, which was also covered by Aberje, including a live broadcast available on the association’s YouTube channel.