Mirek Dušek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF) 

As companies around the world accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), the focus is shifting from the technology itself to how it can create measurable business value and transform business operations. That was the message from Mirek Dušek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), in an exclusive interview with International Finance News following the 2026 Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos, which was held under the theme "Innovating at Scale" in Dalian, Liaoning Province.

Dušek said many companies are moving beyond AI pilots and beginning to rethink how their businesses operate. More business leaders now recognize that AI is not simply another technology to deploy. It requires companies to redesign business processes so AI becomes an integral part of how they operate.

"Improving efficiency is only the first step," Dušek said. "The more profound transformation lies in reshaping organizations and redefining the way work gets done." He said this year's discussions were no longer about who would deploy AI first. Instead, the focus has shifted to how businesses can use AI to unlock new growth opportunities.

Asked about AI's impact on employment, Dušek said the public debate has focused too heavily on which jobs might disappear, while paying too little attention to AI's ability to augment human capabilities and enable people and AI to work together more effectively. He also noted that economies at different stages of development have different priorities. While some advanced economies are primarily concerned about AI's impact on jobs, many developing countries are more focused on its potential to improve public services such as education and healthcare. These differences underscore the need for a broader, more inclusive global perspective on AI development.

Dušek also pointed to AI's rapid adoption across industries including finance, manufacturing, and real estate, saying the technology is creating an increasingly complex environment for corporate leaders. Companies need to invest in the AI infrastructure required for long-term growth while avoiding investments that could quickly become obsolete as technology evolves, he said. Meanwhile, shifting global trade landscape and geopolitical developments are making it increasingly important for businesses to reassess their investment decisions and supply chain strategies. Commenting on the international expansion of Chinese firms, Dušek said this year's Summer Davos drew record international participation, with a growing number of Chinese unicorns and tech firms actively seeking global partnerships. Seven of the 15 Chinese unicorns attending the meeting were robotics companies.

"These companies are here not only to showcase their products, but also to find international partners and expand into global markets together," he said. As Chinese companies expand overseas, technological capabilities alone will not be enough. They also need to better communicate their stories to international audiences by articulating their business models, core competitive strengths, and unique value propositions, while continually refining their global strategies in response to evolving market conditions.

Reflecting on this year's theme of "Innovating at Scale", Dušek said it also highlights the growing importance of global cooperation. With the world facing an array of challenges, including high debt levels, geopolitical tensions, and energy security, no country can address these issues alone, he said. Strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors has become more important than ever.

"The World Economic Forum has always sought to provide a platform for dialogue across regions, industries, and stakeholder groups," Dušek said. Continued dialogue remains essential to finding common solutions on issues such as AI governance, climate change, and cybersecurity. "The world is changing," he added. "But at times like these, dialogue and cooperation become more important than ever."