Staying Nimble and Resilient in a Changing World: Insights from Goldman Sachs Global Institute Co-Head George Lee

With the global economic outlook in flux, companies worldwide are preparing for scenarios that could redefine their technology adoption strategies. In a fireside chat at our 2024 Metis Strategy Summit in NYC, George Lee, Co-Head of the Goldman Sachs Global Institute, shares his insights with Peter High on how technology and business leaders can position their organizations for readiness and resilience amid uncertainty. Highlights include: Supply Chain Resilience Amid Geopolitical Complexity: George emphasizes the critical need for companies to bolster supply chain resilience in response to global geopolitical shifts. He highlights how these changes are pushing companies to rethink their strategies to ensure stability and agility. AI as a National Strategic Asset: The conversation dives into AI's evolution from a technological tool to a national strategic asset, with George exploring its implications for productivity, culture, and national defense in a rapidly advancing digital landscape. Focus on Inflection Points Over Predictions: George introduces the concept of planning around "inflection points" instead of relying solely on predictions, encouraging leaders to proactively navigate pivotal moments that could redefine their industries. Enterprise AI and the Productivity Paradox: George discusses the “productivity paradox” seen in AI's adoption within enterprises, noting the discrepancy between AI’s rapid advancements and its slower integration into enterprise workflows. Superintelligence vs. Super Automation: The discussion distinguishes between the concepts of superintelligence and super automation, examining the different impacts each could have on future economies and labor markets. Insights from Global Conversations: George shares how the Goldman Sachs Global Institute gathers and refines insights from dialogues with global leaders, using these insights to guide clients through geopolitical and economic complexities. Challenges in Adopting New Technology: Drawing on his experience as a former CIO, George addresses the practical challenges organizations face when implementing advanced technologies, underscoring the importance of strong frameworks and patience in driving enterprise adoption.