Digital transformation, which for years guided the modernization of companies, is giving way to a new phase: the era of "AI-First" companies. This change is not just about incorporating new technologies, but about reimagining operational and strategic models, placing AI at the center of corporate decision-making.
While digital transformation focused on digitizing existing processes and implementing technologies to improve efficiency, the AI-First approach goes beyond. Now, companies are integrating AI from the design 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 businesses are also adopting AI to gain competitiveness and innovate in an increasingly dynamic and demanding market. Those who know how to effectively integrate AI will see not only operational improvements but also the opening of new frontiers for growth and development.
Actually, the question is no longer whether AI will transform businesses – but who will get ahead in this transformation. The change has only just begun and promises to be much deeper than we imagined, especially with the entry of new players in the race for more advanced AI models, further accelerating the development of the technology.
Brasil: cenário preocupante?
A survey conducted by SAS last year indicated that Brazil is in 11th place in the global ranking of generative AI adoption. Other surveys indicate that Brazilian companies prioritize technology, but there is no clear vision on how or where to start. The main obstacles are the lack of adequate technological infrastructure, application quality, and skilled labor shortage.
Another study, conducted by Meta in partnership with Fundação Dom Cabral, indicated that 95% of companies consider AI essential, but only 14% have achieved maturity in using the technology. Most organizations prefer to focus on simpler solutions, applying 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 – related to data and infrastructure – already marks a significant change in how organizations in Brazil handle data. It is necessary to invest 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 a review of the IT architecture and the adoption of cloud infrastructure.
The second point concerns a common pain in the technology sector: the lack of specialized labor. Investing in ongoing training, partnerships with universities, and internal training programs can help create a solid foundation of professionals capable of handling AI tools. However, the transformation is not limited to IT professionals: it is necessary to spread the culture of innovation throughout the organization, fostering an open mindset to testing, errors, and continuous learning.
Finally, companies will need to restructure their strategy: AI should not be treated as a technological "complement," but as an opportunity to redesign processes and create new revenue streams. Leadership needs to analyze where AI can generate the greatest impact – whether in customer relationships, internal process automation, or the creation of new products and services – and align these objectives with long-term strategic planning.
A future driven by AI
There is no doubt that AI is already redefining the way we work, communicate, and create economic value. The true business transformation requires companies to rethink their technological and strategic DNA, questioning traditional business models and positioning artificial intelligence as a major driver of innovation.
In the coming years, we will see an increasing convergence between AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and other emerging technologies. This scenario opens up space for more integrated solutions capable of anticipating trends, optimizing resources, and creating personalized experiences for customers and employees.
Those who move quickly, adopting a bold stance and exploring partnership opportunities and continuous learning, will get ahead. 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, transforming the promise of AI into concrete results for businesses and society.
By Marcelo Mathias Cereto, Head of the Selbetti IT Solutions business unit at Selbetti Tecnologia
