Farewell to digital transformation: the era of "AI-First" companies has arrived

Digital transformation, which for years has guided the modernization of companies, is giving way to a new phase: the era of "AI-First" enterprises. This shift is not merely about incorporating new technologies, but about reimagining operational and strategic models, placing AI at the core of corporate decision-making.

While digital transformation focused on digitizing existing processes and implementing technologies to improve efficiency, the AI-First approach goes further. Companies are now integrating AI from the conception of products and services, making it a fundamental pillar of their business strategies. This change is not limited to large corporations; small and medium-sized enterprises are also adopting AI to gain competitiveness and innovate in an increasingly dynamic and demanding market. Those who effectively integrate AI will see not only operational improvements but also the opening of new frontiers for growth and development.

In reality, the question is no longer *if* AI will transform businesses – but rather *who* will lead this transformation. The shift has only just begun and promises to be far more profound than we imagine, especially with new players entering the race for more advanced AI models, further accelerating technological development.

Brazil: A Concerning Scenario?

Research conducted by SAS last year indicated that Brazil ranks 11th in the global adoption of generative AI. Other surveys show that Brazilian companies consider the technology a top priority, but lack a clear vision on how or where to begin. The main obstacles are the lack of adequate technological infrastructure, application quality, and shortage of specialized talent.

Another study, developed by Meta in partnership with Fundação Dom Cabral, revealed that 95% of companies consider AI essential, but only 14% have reached maturity in its use. Most organizations prefer to focus on simpler solutions, applying the technology in chatbots and predictive analytics tools.

For Brazilian companies – regardless of size or sector – to overcome initial barriers and accelerate AI adoption, it is crucial to invest in three main areas: infrastructure and data, talent and organizational culture, and business strategy.

The first point – concerning data and infrastructure – already marks a considerable shift in how organizations in Brazil treat data. Investment is needed in systems capable of collecting, processing, and storing large volumes of information, as well as in data governance policies that ensure security and reliability. In many cases, this will require revisiting IT architecture and adopting cloud infrastructure.

The second point relates to an ongoing challenge in the technology sector: the lack of specialized talent. Investing in continuous training, partnerships with universities, and internal upskilling programs can help build a solid foundation of professionals capable of handling AI tools. However, the transformation is not limited to IT professionals: it is necessary to disseminate a culture of innovation throughout the organization, fostering a mindset open to testing, errors, and continuous learning.

Lastly, companies will have to restructure their strategy: AI should not be treated as a technological "add-on," but as an opportunity to redesign processes and create new revenue streams. Leadership must analyze where AI can generate the greatest impact – whether in customer relationships, internal process automation, or the creation of novel products and services – and align these objectives with long-term strategic planning.

An AI-Driven Future

There is no doubt that AI is already redefining how we work, communicate, and create economic value. True business transformation requires companies to rethink their technological and strategic DNA, questioning traditional business models and positioning artificial intelligence as the primary driver of innovation.

In the coming years, we will see increasing convergence between AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and other emerging technologies. This scenario paves the way for more integrated solutions capable of anticipating trends, optimizing resources, and creating personalized experiences for customers and employees.

Those who move swiftly, adopting a bold stance and exploring opportunities for partnership and continuous learning, will lead the way. Brazil, although still facing structural challenges, has enormous potential for growth and development in the field of artificial intelligence. It is up to companies, leaders, and professionals to join forces to make this new era a reality, turning the promise of AI into concrete results for business and society.

By Marcelo Mathias Cereto, Head of the Selbetti IT Solutions business unit at Selbetti Tecnologia