The bi-annual Reshaping Work conference brings together a diverse community eager to understand how emerging technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital platforms, are transforming the way we work. Organized by the KIN Center for Digital Innovation (Isabella Bremmers-Carrasco, Jana Rekkowsky, Tomislav Karacic, and Marleen Huysman) and Rotterdam School of Management, this year's event included a special day for emerging researchers, providing a valuable space for networking and collaboration.
The Academic Day, held at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, opened with a welcoming address by Marleen Huysman, head of the AI@Work research group at the KIN Center for Digital Innovation, setting the stage for insightful presentations, and roundtable discussions. Three short presentations followed, with Ella Hafermalz sharing her insights on the unpredictability of working with Generative AI: it can be risky but also rewarding.
The second day, hosted at the iconic Rode Hoed, brought together AI thought leaders, business experts, policymakers, and worker representatives. Members of the AI@Work research group actively contributed to panel discussions:
- AI in HR: Marleen Huysman and Stella Pachidi (Panel Chair) examined how AI is transforming HR, from automating recruitment to driving employee engagement. The panel explored how organizations can prepare their workforce for the evolving landscape and discussed future trends and misconceptions.
- AI &Expertise: Anastasia Sergeeva joined a panel addressing whether AI can truly replace human expertise, illustrating how AI complements rather than replaces human skills and navigating both practical applications and ethical concerns.
- AI in Healthcare: Mohammad Hosein Rezazade Mehrizi and Bomi Kim highlighted AI's impact on healthcare, from early disease detection to personalized therapies. The discussion covered the opportunities AI creates in patient care, as well as the need for safe, equitable AI practices.
The event provided a platform for constructive dialogue, exchanges of views, and collaborative solutions on the future of work. A collection of conference papers curated by the Scientific Committee boarded by Hans Berends is available at https://reshapingwork.net/publications.
The insights shared at the conference highlight the importance of organizations approaching the complexities of AI thoughtfully. In response, the KIN Center for Digital Innovation launches the Managing AI WISEly program. The course provides professionals with a unique opportunity to learn from case studies and state-of-the-art academic research on responsible AI deployment. The program fosters a collaborative environment where managers can learn from others’ best practices and challenges, empowering them to leverage AI’s potential responsibly while navigating associated organizational risks.
