The digital transformation, which has guided companies’ modernization for years, 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 decisions.
While digital transformation focused on digitizing existing processes and implementing technologies to improve efficiency, the AI-First approach goes further. Now, companies are 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 can effectively integrate AI will see not only operational improvements but also the opening of new frontiers of growth and development.
In reality, the question is no longer whether AI will transform businesses but rather who will take the lead in this transformation. The change has only just begun and promises to be much deeper than we imagine, especially with the entry of new players in the race for more advanced AI models, further accelerating technology development.
Brazil: a worrying scenario?
A survey conducted by SAS last year indicated that Brazil ranks 11th globally in the adoption of generative AI. Other studies show that Brazilian companies prioritize the technology but lack a clear vision of how or where to start. The main hurdles are the lack of appropriate technological infrastructure, quality of applications, and shortage of specialized workforce.
Another study, conducted by Meta in partnership with Fundação Dom Cabral, pointed out that 95% of companies consider AI essential, but only 14% have reached maturity in using the technology. Most organizations prefer to focus on simpler solutions, applying the technology in chatbots and predictive analysis tools.
For Brazilian companies – regardless of size or sector – to overcome initial barriers and accelerate the adoption of AI, it’s crucial to invest in three main areas: infrastructure and data, talent and organizational culture, and business strategy.
The first point – regarding data and infrastructure – already marks a considerable change in how organizations in Brazil treat data. It’s 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 IT architecture and the adoption of cloud infrastructure.
The second point concerns a common pain point in the technology sector: the lack of specialized workforce. Investing in continuing education, partnerships with universities, and internal training programs can help create a solid base of professionals capable of dealing with AI tools. However, the transformation is not limited to IT professionals: it’s necessary to spread a culture of innovation throughout the organization, fostering a mindset open to testing, errors, and constant learning.
Finally, companies will have to restructure their strategy: AI should not be treated as a mere technological “complement,” but as an opportunity to reformulate processes and create new sources of revenue. Leadership needs to analyze where AI can have the most impact – whether in customer relationships, internal process automation, or in the creation of new and unique 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. True business transformation requires companies to rethink their technological and strategic DNA, question traditional business models, and position artificial intelligence as a major driver of innovation.
In the coming years, we will see an increasing convergence between AI, 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 with agility, adopting a bold stance and exploring partnership and continuous learning opportunities, will take the lead. Brazil, despite still facing structural challenges, has enormous growth and development potential 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 tangible results for businesses and society.
By Marcelo Mathias Cereto, Head of the Selbetti IT Solutions business unit at Selbetti Tecnologia
