Tech investments shift as AI adoption surges
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — An outsourcing executive has revealed a notable shift in companies’ approach to digital transformation.
In a recent interview with ANC Market Edge, Manan Mehta, Senior Vice President and Country Head at digital engineering firm Collabera Digital, said that they observed a “correction” in how businesses are viewing technology investments, particularly in light of the current economic climate.
“With the economic climate not being so conducive, companies are looking at technology to drive efficiency,” Mehta explained.
This strategic pivot reflects a growing trend of businesses seeking to optimize their operations through technological solutions.
AI adoption surges in the Philippines
Interestingly, Mehta said that the Philippines appears to be at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption.
He highlighted that over 86% of knowledge workers in the country are already incorporating generative AI into their regular work routines, surpassing the global average of mid-70%.
Furthermore, an impressive 89% of Philippine business leaders recognize the importance of AI investments in maintaining competitiveness, again exceeding the global average. These statistics underscore the Philippines’ proactive stance in embracing AI technology.
“These two numbers show and prove for a fact that [the] Philippines is adopting AI and is making investments,” Mehta added.
Balancing human creativity and AI innovation
Despite the enthusiasm for AI, Mehta emphasized the importance of human input in technological innovation.
“What we believe is human creativity is going to be the secret sauce behind all the innovation that is happening. You cannot just give it all to technology and let it do the rest,” he stated.
Mehta also outlined the four key quotients essential for effectively implementing new technologies, which include:
- Engineering
- Empathy
- Creativity
- AI
He stressed the importance of upskilling the workforce in these areas, stating, “We believe that upskilling our workforce on these four quotients is going to be driving the way forward for all of us.”
Collabera Digital’s role in digital transformation
Collabera Digital, formerly known as Collabera Technologies, is a digital engineering firm that assists Fortune 500 companies in their digital transformation journeys, helping them develop state-of-the-art digital applications, cloud transformation, IT architecture, and operations.
With about 8,500 professionals across 14 countries, the company prides itself on co-engineering, co-innovating, and co-owning solutions with its clients, ensuring that they meet customer expectations and deliver superior experiences.
As companies navigate the evolving landscape of digital transformation, the balance between technological advancement and human ingenuity remains crucial.
Mehta’s insights offer valuable guidance for businesses seeking to leverage technology while maintaining a competitive edge in challenging economic times.
