The future won’t be defined by who tried AI first

Op-eds aitechnology The future won’t be defined by who tried AI first File Photo: Illustration Shows Words "artificial Intelligence Ai Relevant News Europe’s crisis of confidence 22 June 2026 AI reshapes global labour market into two distinct paths, rewarding human skills: PwC 2026 AI Jobs Barometer 22 June 2026 The future won’t be defined by who tried AI first 22 June 2026 Advertorial 22 June 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber By Andreas Yiasemides* Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future ambition or a technology experiment taking place on the margins of day-to-day business. It is rapidly becoming a defining force behind how organisations operate, compete and create value. The conversation has shifted decisively from “what AI could do” to “how AI is already transforming the enterprise.” Over the past few years, businesses around the world have experimented extensively with Generative AI. Many organisations entered this phase with understandable excitement, launching pilots, testing productivity tools, and exploring isolated use cases. Yet, globally, relatively few companies have managed to translate that experimentation into measurable enterprise-wide value. The reality is that the next competitive advantage will not come simply from using AI tools. It will come from redesigning how organisations function. This is exactly where we see the next phase emerging. As I prepare to take on the role of CEO of PwC Cyprus, my position is clear: Al is not just about technology. It is about how we lead, how we evolve and how we turn our strategy into meaningful results. For Cyprus, Artificial Intelligence is primarily a competitiveness issue. Although our market is small, this can work to our advantage. Smaller ecosystems can adapt faster and create closer cooperation between businesses, the state and academia. The country already has important foundations: a growing technology ecosystem, international interest, specialized human resources and a strong position as a regional center for professional services. But we need to move quickly. Cyprus needs a coordinated approach with an emphasis on skills, digital infrastructure, responsible innovation and the practical integration of Artificial Intelligence into the economy. The priority now is execution, moving from ambition to action. This means targeted pilots, good governance and supporting organisations to turn experimentation into measurable business results. At PwC Cyprus, we have both the responsibility and the ability to support this transition. Through our global network, strategic alliances, industry expertise and expanding the AI capabilities, we can help organisations in the private and public sectors move from experimentation to real enterprise-wide impact. The opportunity for Cyprus is not simply to embrace AI, but to harness it strategically to enhance productivity, competitiveness and the country’s position as a regional hub for innovation and advanced professional services. The future will not be defined by those who first experimented with AI. It will be defined by who harnesses it to fundamentally transform their business. *Andreas Yiasemides is the CEO-elect of PwC Cyprus Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Europe’s crisis of confidence AI reshapes global labour market into two distinct paths, rewarding human skills: PwC 2026 AI Jobs Barometer EXPLAINER: Why are Poland and Ukraine at odds about their history? EXPLAINER: UK PM Starmer says he will resign, but how is his successor chosen? Cyprus talks must proceed against UN chief’s December exit, national council hears A decade of chaos: Britain prepares for seventh prime minister Nikolas Farantouris: Cyprus is inseparable from the security of the European Union Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.