The global landscape is witnessing a transformative shift with the emergence of advanced artificial intelligence technologies, now rapidly shaping various sectors worldwide. This evolution was at the forefront of discussions during the 2025 World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland, where the overarching theme centered on “Collaboration in the Intelligent Age.” As the European Union prepares to implement the first provisions of its AI Act shortly after the forum, the dialogue around AI has intensified.
Collaboration as a cornerstone of AI development
In a swiftly evolving global marketplace, fostering collaborative development and establishing robust governance frameworks are crucial for cultivating AI ecosystems that prioritize transparency, ethical standards, and safety. In a special episode of the podcast Power Play, presented by IBM, POLITICO Focus contributor David Himmel delves deep into what authentic collaboration entails, the transformative impact of open AI systems on businesses of all sizes, and the vital partnerships between industry leaders and governments to ensure a beneficial return on investment for all stakeholders involved.
Insights from industry leaders
During the discussion, Himmel features insights from Christina Montgomery, IBM’s chief privacy and trust officer and interim leader of government affairs. She emphasizes the necessity of access to open AI development, underscoring the critical importance of privacy in this digital age. Montgomery advocates for a collaborative approach that is diverse and global, aiming to address the complex challenges and questions that accompany the rise of artificial intelligence.
“The need for access to open AI development and diverse collaboration will help solve the questions and challenges we face in this new age of intelligence,” Montgomery stated.
Power Play is a unique podcast series created by POLITICO that aims to explore significant contemporary issues. This particular episode, sponsored by IBM, sheds light on the integral role of collaboration in advancing AI technology while ensuring ethical compliance and safety for all users.