AI, data and tech­no­logy lead­er Car­mine Gioia joins CBS as Pro­fess­or of Prac­tice

Carmine Gioia has experienced both sides of the table when it comes to turning new technology into practice.

As a researcher, he has been affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for nearly 20 years. As a business leader, he has served as Group Chief Data Officer at Nordea and held senior roles in data and analytics at Saxo Bank. Today, he works with technology and innovation in the Danish Defence Intelligence Service and advises on technology and AI.

Now he is returning to CBS, where he earned his PhD, as Professor of Practice at the Department of Strategy and Innovation.

In this role, he will draw on his experience to deepen the connection between CBS and the companies and public-sector organisations currently navigating the rapid development of AI and other critical technologies.

“As Professor of Practice, my most important task will be to build bridges between CBS and the companies and public-sector organisations that are in the midst of rapid technological change. I want to bring the realities I have worked with closer to research and teaching – while also bringing the latest knowledge from CBS to where it can make a difference. This applies particularly to data management and AI, but also to quantum technology where relevant,” says Carmine Gioia.

AI alone does not transform a company

AI is currently high on the agenda for most large companies. But according to Carmine Gioia, there is a risk that the discussion starts in the wrong place.

Technology does not create transformation on its own.

“AI alone cannot improve productivity or transform a company. You also need high-quality data and a strong technological infrastructure. Data is therefore critical, as is understanding the problem you are trying to solve,” he says.

New AI tools can dramatically accelerate the journey from idea to prototype. But there is a significant difference between a promising experiment and a system that a company can actually rely on to run its business.

An AI system in production must, among other things, be secure, auditable, compliant, scalable and maintainable. Above all, it must solve a genuine business problem.

For this reason, according to Carmine Gioia, AI is no longer solely a matter for the IT department.

“AI, data, technology and governance are topics for both boards and CEOs,” he says.

Companies do not need to develop everything themselves

At the same time, this development makes the relationship between universities and industry even more important, according to Carmine Gioia.

Companies do not need to build all the capabilities required to work with AI and other emerging technologies themselves.

“Companies do not need to solve every problem on their own,” he says.

Universities, startups and other companies can contribute expertise and help reduce the risks involved in innovation. But this requires companies to become good at defining the problems they want to solve so that research environments can make a meaningful contribution.

At the same time, companies must retain clear internal ownership and accept that innovation involves uncertainty and that not every project will succeed.

This interaction between research and practice has been a common thread throughout Carmine Gioia’s own career.

“Moving between academia and industry helps you stay focused on what matters most and achieve better results. Businesses can learn from scientific advances, while researchers, when exposed to concrete business challenges, can create added value with real-world impact,” he says.

Returning to CBS

For Carmine Gioia, the appointment also marks a return to the university where he earned his PhD.

“It feels natural for me to dedicate some of my time and energy here in Denmark as well, particularly at CBS, where I earned my PhD,” he says.

He returns at a time when AI, quantum technology and other critical technologies not only affect companies’ competitiveness but are increasingly becoming strategic and geopolitical issues.

According to Carmine Gioia, this makes collaboration between universities, companies and public-sector organisations even more important.

“CBS has a growing and successful focus on innovation and technology, reflected in a strong academic environment and solid research results,” he says.

“We must strive to remain competitive, continue to educate ourselves and evolve, and work together to tackle some of the world’s most important challenges,” says Carmine Gioia.