Science & Tech · AI · 2 hrs ago
MIT expert says businesses must rethink models to benefit from AI
At a business event in São Paulo, MIT expert George Westerman discussed AI's impact on companies and work.
He said AI is already in use, but the technology does not create business value on its own.
Companies need to rethink how they serve customers and develop products to make AI useful.
Westerman warned that routine jobs will change as AI takes on more tasks, including writing and conversation.
He pointed to creativity, people skills and original thinking as promising abilities, while noting that the future is uncertain.
His advice is for companies to rethink their business models and start with what AI can do before deciding where people are needed.
MIT Sloan School of Management expert George Westerman said businesses must rethink their business models to gain real value from artificial intelligence.
Speaking at the Universo TOTVS 2026 event in São Paulo, he said AI does not create value for companies on its own.
Westerman said the harder task is changing how businesses serve customers and develop products.
He said routine jobs will change as AI takes on tasks once thought beyond computers.
He advised business leaders to adopt an “AI-first” mindset and identify where people are needed.
- Who
- George Westerman of the MIT Sloan School of Management.
- What
- He said businesses must rethink their models and processes to benefit from AI.
- When
- At the Universo TOTVS 2026 event; the article was published on October 13, 2026.
- Where
- São Paulo, Brazil.
- Why
- AI does not create value for companies by itself; businesses need to change how they operate to gain concrete benefits.
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- Speaker
- George Westerman
- Affiliation
- MIT Sloan School of Management
- Event
- Universo TOTVS 2026
- Location
- São Paulo
- Publication date
- October 13, 2026
What people are saying
AI does not produce value by itself in companies.
The difficult part is rethinking how you serve your customer and develop products.
Jobs that involve routine work will change.
It is a completely different world.