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And that's exactly what happened in June 2024. We hosted our inaugural roundtable at the LOF Restaurant in Ghent, where attendees from top companies like Ageas, Arthur D. Little, Cartamundi, and Vlerick gathered in a stunning setting.

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The evening featured lively and informative discussions focused on AI-powered strategic intelligence and its implications for strategy.

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Participants received cards with provocative statements designed to spark conversation, resulting in a dynamic and engaging exchange of ideas.

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Here’s a sneak peek at some of the key insights shared during this enlightening event.

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Breaking biases with AI

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Gilke Eeckhoudt, now the Chief Development and Sustainability Officer at Ageas Group, kicked off our discussion. She highlighted a critical challenge faced by even the best strategy teams: the risk of creating biased echo chambers. Traditional methods, relying on the same industry-wide reports and data, can inadvertently reinforce existing biases.

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Eeckhoudt sought a way to overcome these biases and obtain new, objective insights. They discovered a solution in AI-powered Strategic Intelligence. By integrating a platform such as Trendtracker into their approach, Ageas Group revolutionised their strategic discussions. 
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They transformed such discussions from mainly subjective and gut-driven to being more focused on solid data, resulting in stronger and more well-informed strategies.

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Eeckhoudt sought a way to break free from these biases and gain fresh, objective insights. The solution came with AI-powered Strategic Intelligence. By integrating a platform such as Trendtracker into their strategy, Ageas Group transformed their discussions from predominantly subjective and intuition-based to being grounded in solid data. This shift led to stronger, more informed strategies.

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Balancing strategy horizons

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One of the recurring themes at the roundtable was the balance between long-term and short-term strategies. Griet Capelle from Imec emphasised the importance of creating a safe space to discuss long-term scenarios. By considering what might happen by 2040, teams can free themselves from immediate pressures and think more creatively and critically about the future.

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AI plays a crucial role here too. Trendtracker's CEO and co-founder, Vincent Defour, explained how AI can help detect weak signals early, providing a scientific basis for long-term planning. This allows companies to prepare for future uncertainties rather than react to them.

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Navigating uncertainty with AI

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Brett Hamilton from Vlerick Business School shared his research on macro uncertainty, a major challenge identified by 73% of CEOs. AI, he argued, can significantly aid in navigating these uncertainties. However, it's essential to define the role of AI within your organisation. While some decisions can be fully automated, others might benefit more from AI as an augmentative tool, sparking discussions and addressing biases.

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Revolutionising consulting practices

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The roundtable also delved into how AI is reshaping consultancy. Don Keleman from Arthur D. Little noted that boutique firms are more open to using AI tools to accelerate their output. AI can significantly shorten the learning curve for consulting staff analysts, allowing them to gain deep insights quickly. However, the value of experienced consultants remains irreplaceable.

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“The AI is only as good as the person utilising it.” - Don Keleman, Strategy Consultant at Arthur D. Little.

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The future is here – And it's AI-powered

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Our first roundtable provided a wealth of insights into how AI can transform strategic intelligence. From breaking biases to balancing strategy horizons and navigating uncertainty, AI offers powerful tools to enhance decision-making processes.

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But the journey most definitely doesn't end here. We invite you to delve deeper into these discussions and explore how AI can support and elevate your strategic decisions.

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Download the full ebook now to uncover all the insights from our roundtable and take the first step towards revolutionising your strategic intelligence with AI.

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