Nir Kaldero is chief AI officer at NEORIS and Adjunct Executive for AI at CEMEX.
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In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, a paradigm shift has been underway over the past decade, challenging the traditional notion that programming skills are indispensable for the younger generation. The push for learning how to program, which gained momentum in the last 10 to 15 years, was driven by the belief that coding proficiency would become a cornerstone for success in the digital era. However, the rise of low-code platforms, followed by the recent surge in low-code and no-code solutions, is shaking the ground.
One of the glaring issues stemming from the emphasis on traditional programming is the unintentional creation of an elite group of programmers. While these individuals excel in writing intricate code, they often lack a comprehensive understanding of business dynamics and subject matter expertise. This discrepancy can create a divide between technical prowess and practical business application, limiting the scope of innovation.
The consequences are far-reaching, as we unintentionally exclude valuable skills and insights from the process of automating and enhancing businesses through software solutions. As we pivot toward a future where programming may not be the sole key to unlocking the full potential of technology, we aim to enable a broader spectrum of business acumen in an AI-powered era.
The Miracle Of AI For Coding
As we navigate the transformative landscape of technology, AI emerges as a solution to solving the inherent problems with traditional coding practices. The advent of AI marks a pivotal moment where subject matter experts and domain specialists can harness cutting-edge technology without delving into the intricacies of coding.
This shift allows individuals to communicate instructions in human language and enables AI systems to execute complex tasks seamlessly. It not only democratizes technology but also empowers a broader spectrum of professionals to leverage the benefits of automation and innovation without mastering the nuances of programming languages.
Looking ahead, the next frontier in programming languages appears to be human language itself. The responsibility now lies in creating computing technologies that obviate the need for traditional programming skills. The vision is clear: a future where everyone, regardless of their technical background, can communicate their ideas and requirements directly to AI systems in natural language.
Providing a practical example and insights into the future, GitHub’s current efforts with Copilot allow software engineers to access fundamental AI models offering code recommendations. This enhances productivity and ensures code elegance and efficiency.
Over the next two to three years, programmers globally will validate, modify and enhance these code recommendations, effectively training the AI models. This continuous training will reach a point where the models, fueled by human feedback, can generate code using natural human language—facilitating the creation of programs and software through no-code technology where diverse skills and backgrounds can participate.
In this democratized technological landscape, the evidence that everyone in the world will become a programmer gains credence. As the barriers to entry are dismantled and the reliance on coding diminishes, individuals from diverse backgrounds will have the ability to contribute to the evolving digital economy. The era of universal programming promises a world where technological participation is not confined to an elite few but is a shared endeavor that empowers every individual to shape the future of innovation and the world.
A Hint For The (Near) Future
In this paradigm shift where coding is no longer the exclusive domain of a select few, our collective responsibility is clear: We must ensure that the benefits of this new era of AI-driven technology are accessible to all, not just a privileged subset. The democratization of technology demands an inclusive approach where every individual, armed with their unique business and subject matter expertise, has the opportunity to participate in shaping the digital landscape.
As organizations embrace the possibilities offered by AI, it becomes imperative to facilitate an environment where individuals can contribute to the development of cutting-edge software that aligns seamlessly with the dynamic needs of the business. The focus shifts from traditional programming skills to enabling individuals to articulate their ideas in human language, fostering a symbiotic relationship between technology and the diverse array of talents within an organization.
Since generative AI is a top-down initiative, it’s imperative to anchor an AI experimentation mindset and culture, assure employees that AI is here to augment our capabilities (rather than replace us) and carefully prioritize the use cases to demonstrate success.
While upskilling remains a crucial element in navigating this evolving landscape, the emphasis is no longer solely on acquiring coding proficiency. Instead, the call is for a broader understanding of technology—its workings behind the scenes, critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and ways to mitigate biases.
AI is now in the hands of everyone, which poses a great opportunity but also creates great challenges such as clear ethical considerations, overall fairness and responsible AI best practices. Our goal is to equip individuals with data literacy to harness AI technology while we widen the economy and provide new opportunities for those skills that will be replaced.
The era of universal participation in the digital economy has started, and it is our shared responsibility to pave the way for a future where technology is inclusive, ethical and serving the greater good. By dismantling traditional barriers and embracing a holistic approach to upskilling, we can collectively ensure that the benefits of AI are harnessed by a diverse and empowered global workforce. In doing so, we lay the foundation for a technologically enriched future that transcends the limitations of the past—fostering innovation, collaboration and progress for all.
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