PODCAST: “AI isn’t a revolution. It’s evolution.”
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“Technology always changes slowly at first, and then all at once.” With these words, Jos van Hillegersberg, scientific director at JADS, sums up the current AI revolution. Or should we say: evolution? In the latest episode of the Data Dates podcast, he looks back on more than thirty years of research into artificial intelligence and looks ahead to the role of humans in this new wave of technology.
Less disruptive
“AI isn’t new,” he says. “When I graduated in 1991, we were already building systems that could make medical diagnoses or simulate court rulings. What’s happening now is that AI has finally gone mainstream.” Still, Van Hillegersberg sees more continuity than disruption. In his view, technology has been changing our jobs and organizations for decades. “AI just makes that change more visible – and sometimes more painful – because it’s so tangible.”
Stay curious
What he sees as essential is our attitude towards technology. “Stay curious. Keep learning. Think critically about what technology means for people and organizations. And don’t be afraid to experiment.” But he also warns against complacency. “There’s a real risk we’ll get lazy – letting AI do the thinking for us. That’s a dangerous scenario, just like with calculators or spellcheckers in the past. Technology should support us, but we need to stay in control.”
Evolution
He strongly believes in the power of human–machine collaboration. “Research shows that teams where AI is part of the thinking process often achieve better results than purely human or purely machine teams. So AI isn’t a replacement, but a new, inclusive team member.” He’s also optimistic about the European approach to AI. “We’re building with more attention to ethics and diversity. Thanks to the AI Act, we have clear guidelines. That can slow things down at times, but it also leads to more sustainable and trustworthy applications.”
Making impact together
What is he most excited about? “That AI won’t just bring efficiency, but real societal value. If we can use AI to contribute to the energy transition, to better healthcare, or to reduce food waste, then we’re making a difference.”
AI doesn’t ask for fear, but for curiosity
