On October 10, 2024, StrategEast with support of USAID’s FGI organized a panel discussion titled “What’s Next in AI for Business and How AI Can Be Leveraged for Economic Growth” at the inaugural Turkic States AI Forum in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Repubic. The session was moderated by Aisuluu Kozhomkulova, Regional Director for Central Asia at StrategEast. Panelists included Alexander Khanin, Founder and Director of Polynome.ai; Yuliia Malich, Head of Public Policy at Bolt; and Oleg Puzanov, Co-founder and CSPO of Mad Devs and Enji.ai.
The panel discussion focused on AI’s role in the business sector and its potential to contribute to economic development. Oleg Puzanov opened the dialogue by discussing how AI-driven automation influences customer relationship management (CRM) processes. He stated, “AI can revolutionize how businesses interact with their customers, offering them a competitive edge by automating routine tasks, which allows them to focus on innovation.”
Alexander Khanin emphasized the importance of education in promoting AI adoption among businesses and governments. “When selling AI products, don’t sell AI, sell added value,” he remarked, suggesting that startups should demonstrate the practical benefits of AI solutions rather than the technology itself. He further added, “You don’t need thousands of AI experts; a well-trained team of ten can be enough to drive meaningful change,” stressing the importance of cultivating skilled talent within the region. Khanin also pointed out the need for a balance between ethical considerations and business interests in AI development.
Yuliia Malich addressed the critical need for developing a skilled AI workforce and touched on the broader implications of AI for market competition. She underscored that investments in educational programs and training initiatives are essential to attract and nurture AI talent in Central Asia. Ms Malich also emphasized AI’s potential to promote fair market competition, stating, “AI has the potential to level the playing field for startups, enabling them to compete with larger companies and foster economic growth.” She discussed how data-driven policy recommendations could help governments regulate AI technologies effectively. Furthermore, she noted that promoting sustainable economic growth through AI could encourage urban development, allowing governments and businesses to collaborate on projects that improve infrastructure, transportation, and public services.
The panel also discussed regulatory considerations surrounding AI implementation. Mr. Puzanov highlighted the role of anonymized data, especially in sensitive sectors such as telecommunications and healthcare.
The first Turkic States AI Forum served as a platform for discussing various aspects of artificial intelligence, bringing together leaders from tech, academia, and government to exchange expertise and develop collaborative strategies. Topics ranged from the development of Turkic language models (LLMs) to the ethical implications of AI adoption in different sectors.
