AI is no longer just a buzzword – it’s driving the next wave of transformation, says Timo Elliott, vice president and global innovation evangelist at SAP.
Speaking at Saphila Transcend, Elliott likened AI to previous tech waves like the PC and Internet, warning that without preparation, “the wave can come crashing down.” The biggest challenge? It’s not the tech—it’s the ecosystem and adoption.
“Dropping AI into current systems is like parachuting a Formula 1 car into a medieval village,” he said. “Even if AI stopped evolving today, it would take 10 years for the ecosystem to catch up.”
To accelerate adoption, Elliott says we must treat AI as more than artificial intelligence. It should also stand for:
- Accelerated Innovation – AI should help build AI faster. SAP’s Business Technology Platform (BTP) and SAP Build provide tools for rapid development and customisation.
- Automated Integration – SAP Integration Suite uses AI to simplify connecting systems.
- Accurate Information – AI is only as good as the data it uses. SAP’s Business Data Cloud and Knowledge Graph address quality and integration issues.
- Analytics Improved – SAP Analytics Cloud now includes GenAI tools like “Just Ask” to surface insights naturally.
- Agents Incoming – The future lies in AI agents capable of reasoning and adapting in real time, not just following fixed processes.
- Automatic Innovation & Implementation – SAP envisions systems that suggest next steps and automate setup using best practices.
Ultimately, Elliott says successful AI adoption is more about people than technology. “Even if you’ve already invested in culture and change management – invest more,” he urged. “AI is a staircase now, but it’s becoming an escalator.”
