Panel: “Combating Tech Debt” – Rui Gonçalves (KPMG), Luís Carvalho (Crédito Agrícola), Adam Branch (Rhino.ai) & Isabel Costa (Rhino.ai)

Technology Modernization: A Key Driver for Growth and Innovation

• Tech debt impacts organizational efficiency and competitiveness.
• Well-defined strategies are essential to managing this challenge.
• Rui Gonçalves: “Modernizing a company is the same as resolving Tech Debt.”

Measuring and Evaluating Tech Debt is Critical

• Luís Carvalho highlighted that some areas can tolerate a certain level of tech debt, as long as it is well-managed.
• Companies like Crédito Agrícola are adopting metrics to calculate and monitor the impact of tech debt.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a Catalyst for Modernization

• Rui Gonçalves emphasized that AI cannot be effectively leveraged if organizations have accumulated tech debt.
• KPMG sees AI as a strategic element for modernizing  and improving efficiency.
• Adam Branch believes that tech consulting will undergo a dramatic shift in the next five years due to AI.

Adopting AI Requires a Structured and Strategic Approach

• Rui Gonçalves: “AI is like the internet – it’s here to stay.”
• KPMG: “Replacing non-skilled professionals with AI is not just our vision, it’s our goal.”
• AI integration must be aligned with business strategy and based on high-quality data.

Advice on Managing Tech Debt

• Rui Gonçalves: First, it is crucial to understand the extent of tech debt before taking action. AI should be combined with structured data to be effective.
• Luís Carvalho: Companies must adopt a fast-learning mindset to keep up with technological evolution.
• Adam Branch: Modernization must be well-structured to ensure a positive and sustainable impact.

Pedro Dias, KPMG

• Highlighted AI’s potential to optimize business operations, reinforcing that technological modernization is essential to reducing tech debt and driving innovation.
• KPMG is supporting clients in this process by helping them integrate AI into their strategies and structure digital transformation efficiently and competitively.
• 93% of market leaders recognize AI as a transformational opportunity for business growth.
• “AI is a transformative force that is shaping the future.”
• “AI is here to stay.”
• Key ingredients for AI-driven growth: Strategy, Protection, Trust, Culture, Governance, and Upskilling.

Himanshu Arora, Rhino.ai

• • Presented Rhino.ai’s innovative approach to system modernization, emphasizing AI-driven technology.
  • AI plays a crucial role in tackling tech debt, reducing costs, and accelerating digital transformation.