Digital transformation is more than a trend - it's a continuous journey. Our Tech Index 2024 looks at the rise of blockchain to the advancements in AI and the potential of quantum computing, the evolution never stops. Organisations must adapt and lead the way in this ever-changing landscape. Mark O'Conor, Paul Allen and Chloe Forster take a deep dive into digital transformation.

With 63% of respondents to our Tech Index 2024 identifying AI as the key area for potential growth, and 72% in Europe seeing it as critical, the impact of AI is undeniable. Our results also show that 7 in 10 organizations view AI as a significant driver of change and innovation over the next five years. Mark O'Conor, Gareth Stokes and Jeanne Dauzier explore the advancements, challenges, and opportunities that AI brings to the table.

Despite global economic and political challenges, our Tech Index 2024 reveals a striking trend: sustainability and ESG priorities are accelerating, driven by new regulations and growing stakeholder pressure. While some sectors have shifted focus due to short-term crises, the vast majority continue to prioritize environmental and social responsibility, with Africa leading the charge. Mark O'Conor, Natasha Luther-Jones, Nichola Donovan and Nick Rock explore the results and how they compare to what they're seeing in the market – read more in Tech Index 2024 – Riding the next big wave

Over the past 25 years, technology has driven Africa's development, with mobile telecoms and innovative financial services playing a key role. Today, around 800 million Africans have internet-capable devices, and a significant majority in many countries use mobile money platforms. While rural connectivity remains a challenge, efforts are underway with the expansion of fibre, satellite, and wireless networks. This mobile revolution has enabled Africa to leapfrog traditional landline technology, boosting economic growth and reducing poverty. As digital transformation accelerates, especially with AI, Africa is poised for its next major technological leap forward. Mark O'Conor and Sandra Oyewole explore some of the findings from our Tech Index 2024.

Is IP a stimulus or hindrance to innovation? In the latest episode of our Tech Law video series, Mark O'Conor, Marlene Winther-Plas, Alexis Fierens, and Frank Valentin explore the current IP landscape. They discuss the role of IP in fostering innovation and creativity, the impact of AI and the AI Act , and why we don't need to rewrite legislation for every new innovation.

Hardy Pemhiwa (President and Group CEO of Cassava Technologies) joins Mike Conradi (Partner and Global Co-Chair - Telecoms) to discuss the opportunities and challenges inherent to Africa's digital infrastructure.

In this episode, DLA Piper partner Michael Heene joins Kosta Starosin, Director of Legal at Cohere, for a deep dive into the impact of AI on the legal sector.  We discuss three main topics:  -    How AI is likely to change law firms, both big and small, -    How the technology will impact how clients do business, -    What new competences and players will be appearing on the market.

In this episode, DLA Piper lawyers Laurent De Surgeloose and Pierre Dion are joined by FTI Consulting colleagues Elinor Wahal, expert in European and International AI Governance and Director at FTI Consulting Brussels, and Sabine Clappaert, Lead of the People in Transformation Practise at FTI in Brussels, to explore the topic of AI at the workplace.

In this episode, DLA Piper lawyers Heidi Waem and Simon Verschaeve are joined by academics Prof. Dr. Eva Lievens and Dr. Valerie Verdoodt to explore the topic of AI products aimed at children and the use of children's data in the context of AI.

In this episode of our TechLaw Podcast Series, Mark O'Conor, Edward Griffiths and Omar Khabbaz delve into the current trends in the Tech M&A landscape, with a particular focus on the recent craze sparked by AI. Discover how AI is reshaping the M&A space, driving innovation, and transforming the tech industry.

New technologies are turbo-charging digital transformation and its regulatory landscape. Mark O’Conor, Sophie Lessar, Vinny Sanchez and Bennett Borden explore how AI is driving digital transformation within the financial services and insurance sectors. The discussion raises the question of whether sector-specific AI regulations are necessary. As technology advances faster than regulations, companies are advised to adhere to best practices and prioritise third-party risk assessments to navigate the opportunities and challenges of this transformative landscape.

Mark O'Conor, Bennett Borden, Gareth Stokes, and Victoria C. Albrecht (Founder and CEO, Springbok AI) discuss the future of AI. AI is disrupting the white-collar workforce and having a profound impact on knowledge workers. Sectors such as insurance and financial services, which heavily rely on data and algorithms, are among the first to adopt AI systems and face sector-specific regulations in the US. However, no industry will remain untouched by the transformative power of this technology. We are still in the early stages of fully comprehending the impact of AI, and it will take years for the legal framework to adapt and settle.

New AI technology is changing the practice of law. In this podcast, Hannah Smith and Bennett Borden discuss this disruptive, yet very exciting technology whilst exploring issues such as data protection and client confidentiality, and the potential of AI to challenge the traditional business model of law firms. The discussion also goes into CoCounsel, an AI legal assistant tool powered by GPT-4, which will be utilized by DLA Piper. We are only at the very beginning of this transformative technology so how will the future of lawyers look like?

Companies use artificial intelligence to take decisions that can have a significant impact on our lives. AI must be regulated to protect ourselves, and to use technology without manipulation or bias. Mark O'Conor, Vincent Sanchez, Larissa Bifano, and Giulio Coraggio discuss to which standards AI should be held. Who is liable when AI fails to perform? Is there an ongoing obligation to audit AI tools, and if so, who should be taking on that responsibility?

One in ten companies we surveyed for our Tech Index report say they are not currently monetizing data or have no plan to do so in future – a surprising finding in world that is increasingly data-driven. In this podcast, Mark O'Conor, Anthony Lloyd and Andrew Dyson discuss the latest findings of our report in this area. Our guests believe that data monetization is going on much more widely than these numbers suggest, and that this is a trend that's only likely to intensify as methods for collecting and analyzing data become more sophisticated. Our survey shows that there are many ways to maximize the value of data, but organizations often define data monetization in a relatively narrow way. Through this restricted lens, they see data monetization being all about taking a data set, licensing it to a third party and charging a fee for that license. So where do the opportunities for data monetization lie?

Following the launch of our Tech Index 2022 report, Margo H.K. Tank, Kristi Swartz and Mark O'Conor discuss fintech and financial services regulation from an Asia and US perspective.  Financial institutions are at the forefront of pushing the digital transformation agenda. There is a sense of urgency for the large and traditional market players to compete with the fintech challengers and they will not wait for any further regulations. Read our Tech Index 2022 report

Respondents to our Tech Index 2022 survey continue to see real benefits from adopting 5G technology, including faster processing power, increased connectivity, reduced latency and the ability to develop more efficient business models. In this video, Mark O'Conor and Mike Conradi discuss the findings of the Tech Index 2022 report in the area of 5G and its use cases and future opportunities. We're clearly still in an early stage of what 5G can bring. Read our Tech Index 2022 report here.

Global headwinds are impacting businesses and consumers but the Technology market is booming globally. Tech has a critical role to play in building economic resilience and opening new pathways to growth, even in tough economic times. In this video Mark O'Conor, Larissa Bifano, Giulio Coraggio and Vinny Sanchez discuss the sense of confidence in the tech sector. Will increased regulation be a barrier or will digital engagement, new ways of working and shifts in the global supply chain continue to accelerate innovation? Read the #TechIndex2022 report  #Techsector #AI #IoT #Connectivity #Robotics #Patents

Part two in our TechLaw podcast series sees Gokul Mani, Head of Middle East, Africa & India from London Stock Exchange resume his conversation with Trudy Wamala Karugaba, a partner in DLA Piper Africa’s, Uganda office. Following their discussion around the global capital markets landscape for Africa Tech, Gokul and Trudy turn their attention to the development of the capital markets landscape on the continent including localisation initiatives, regulation and the important role of investor relations. Gokul also shares his predictions for African Tech in 2022.

In Part 1 of Episode 47 in our TechLaw Podcast Series, Gokul Mani, Head of Middle East, Africa & India from London Stock Exchange, joins Trudy Wamala Karugaba from DLA Piper Africa’s Uganda office to discuss the global capital markets landscape for African Tech, explaining why London provides an attractive listing destination for companies seeking to grow and expand internationally. Find out more: https://www.dlapiper.com/insights/publicationseries/techlaw-podcast-series/?utm_campaign=tech-summit&utm_medium=social&utm_source=soundcloud

Part two of Episode 46 in our TechLaw podcast series sees Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer for Google X, bestselling author, serial entrepreneur and founder of the One Billion Happy movement, resume his conversation with DLA Piper partner and co-chair of the Technology Sector, Kit Burden. Following on from their discussion around AI, ethics and regulation, they also look at the relationship between innovation and technology when it comes to our happiness. Make sure you register to attend our fifth European Technology Summit on the 5th October 2021 to catch Mo’s keynote speech. Register your interest here: https://www.dlapipertechsummit.com/european/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tech-summit&utm_term=europe&utm_content=tech-summit Pre-order Mo Gawdat’s new book, Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scary-Smart-Future-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1529077184 To find more about Mo Gawdat and his work visit https://www.mogawdat.com

In part one of Episode 46 of our TechLaw podcast series, Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer for Google X, serial entrepreneur, founder of the One Billion Happy movement and author of the new book Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World, explains to DLA Piper partner and co-chair of the Technology Sector, Kit Burden, how we as humans have a responsibility to educate and parent AI in order to raise responsible beings. Topics discussed include the extent to which we can maintain control over AI, regulation and its opportunity to solve some of humanity’s biggest challenges. Mo will be a keynote speaker at our fifth European Technology Summit, taking place on the 5th October 2021. Register your interest here: https://www.dlapipertechsummit.com/european/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tech-summit&utm_term=europe&utm_content=tech-summit Pre-order Mo Gawdat’s new book, Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scary-Smart-Future-Artificial-Intelligence/dp/1529077184 To find more about Mo Gawdat and his work visit www.mogawdat.com

Podcast 45 of our TechLaw podcast series sees award-winning presenter, best-selling author and Professor in the Mathematics of Cities at University College London, Hannah Fry, speak to Kit Burden, Partner and Global Co-Chair of the Technology Sector at DLA Piper. Focusing on AI, its strengths and flaws and the need for the human factor, their conversation touches on a variety of topics including algorithm bias, data, privacy as well as the opportunities for digital transformation post-pandemic. Hannah will also be a keynote speaker at our fifth European Technology Summit, taking place on the 5th October 2021. https://www.dlapipertechsummit.com/european/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tech-summit&utm_term=europe&utm_content=tech-summit

In episode 44 of our TechLaw podcast series, Dylan Kennett, Senior Associate and member of the Emerging Growth and Venture Capital team, joins Dr. Chris Coleridge, Founder and CEO at Carbon13, a venture builder, in a revelatory discussion on the role start-ups can play in fighting the climate emergency. With a particular focus on the entrepreneurs' journey and ensuring a holistic approach to ESG factors. Dr. Chris Coleridge will be resuming these discussions at the SESG panel during our fifth European Technology Summit, being held virtually on the 5th October. Join us by registering at https://www.dlapipertechsummit.com/european/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tech-summit&utm_term=europe&utm_content=tech-summit

Episode 43 of our TechLaw podcast series features Principal Analyst for Thematic Research at GlobalData, David Bicknell, in discussion with our Amsterdam-based Senior Associate, Floris de Wit. Their conversation focuses on the delicate balance of keeping populations safe when it comes to data privacy and cyber security, but also adopting innovative measures that move smart cities forward to take advantage of new technology. Don’t forget to join us on the 5th October 2021 at our fifth European Technology Summit where David will continue the conversation on the smart cities of tomorrow. Register at https://www.dlapipertechsummit.com/european/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tech-summit&utm_term=europe&utm_content=tech-summit

In podcast 42 of our TechLaw podcast series, Jeroen Lokerse, Head of the Netherlands at global real estate firm, Cushman & Wakefield, joins DLA Piper Partner, Daphne Bens, to talk about the population explosion and its impact on the creation of smart cities that provide habitable, sustainable and safe spaces to live and work. They also discuss the crucial role urban development and real estate plays in the transformation of these areas. Jeroen will be joining the smart cities panel at our fifth European Technology Summit, taking place on the 5th October 2021. Register your interest here: https://www.dlapipertechsummit.com/european/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tech-summit&utm_term=europe&utm_content=tech-summit

Podcast 41 of our TechLaw podcast series sees David Bell, Director at Hampleton Partners, leading M&A and corporate finance consultancy for companies with technology at their core, and DLA Piper Partner, Mark O’Conor, engage in an exciting conversation on the current innovations in HealthTech, as well as a futuristic outlook on the industry. Key highlights include the benefits of software as a medical device, macro factors influencing innovation and investment opportunities. Join David and Mark at our fifth European Technology Summit on the 5th October 2021 where they will be resuming this conversation. Register at https://www.dlapipertechsummit.com/european/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tech-summit&utm_term=europe&utm_content=tech-summit

In episode 40 of our TechLaw podcast series Sunita Grote, Lead at UNICEF Ventures, and DLA Piper partner, Luca Gori, speak about emerging technologies and trends in the marketplace, as well as opportunities and outcomes from previous UNICEF Ventures’ investments. Join Sunita and Luca at our fifth European Technology Summit on the 5th October 2021. Register at https://www.dlapipertechsummit.com/european/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tech-summit

In episode 39 of our TechLaw podcast series Sean Williams, Chairman of London-based fibre networks, G.Network Communications and Grain Connect Limited, joins DLA Piper partner, Mike Conradi, to discuss the recent explosion in demand for fibre networks in light of the pandemic. This fascinating exchange sheds light on the ever growing need for stable and resilient broadband connectivity along with the investment opportunity it presents over the next five years. Join Sean and Mike as they continue the conversation at our fifth European Technology Summit on the 5th October 2021. Register at https://www.dlapipertechsummit.com/european/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tech-summit

Podcast 38 of our TechLaw podcast series sees Gary Stewart, Founder & CEO at FounderTribes, a platform connecting and empowering entrepreneurs, join Luca Gori, partner and Corporate M&A lawyer at DLA Piper, to discuss the role of diversity in global corporate venture capital investing. They discuss how to use strategic alliances, not just to help restart economies or build back to ‘normal’, but to use this opportunity to “build back better” than before. Join Gary Stewart at our fifth European Technology Summit on the 5th October 2021, register here https://www.dlapipertechsummit.com/european/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=techlaw

FinTech: Cashless societies and post-pandemic growth by DLA Piper

In Episode 36 of our TechLaw podcast series, Dubai-based partners and M&A lawyers at DLA Piper, Will Seivewright and Eamon Holley, are joined by Directors at Control Risks, Courtenay Smith and Will Brown, in an invigorating discussion on the latest M&A trends in the GCC. In this conversation, they analyse the recent impact and acceleration of technology trends derived from COVID-19, as well as the roll-out successions of M&A trends across the European Markets.

In Episode 35 of our TechLaw Podcast Series, Middle-East based DLA Piper partner, Paul Latto, joins an incredible panel of experts including Tony Chacko Joseph, from UAE's Ministry of Finance; Khalid Saad, Board Member at CoinMENA; and Phil Reynolds, Board Director and Co-founder at Pyypl, to discuss the rapid growth in mobile payments and platforms the UAE's FinTech has experienced. Other topics for discussion also include FinTech regulations, trends and innovations swiftly approaching the UAE.

In Episode 34 of our TechLaw Podcast Series, DLA Piper partner, Alexandra Kamerling, talks about antitrust law in the digital age with Laura Petrone, Senior Analyst of Technology Thematic Research at GlobalData Plc. Their conversation delves into how traditional regulations are being evolved to allow for a fair playing field that also fosters innovation, as well as looking at how these regulations are being applied in numerous jurisdictions across the globe. More podcasts: https://www.dlapiper.com/insights/publicationseries/techlaw-podcast-series/

The second part of Episode 33 of our TechLaw Podcast Series, features an insightful discussion between DLA Piper partner, Paul Allen, and author of Future Fit, Andrea Clarke. With Covid-19 having accelerated the shift from physical to virtual working, how do businesses connect its people to its strategy and motivate, educate and inspire them through this new hybrid model?

Part one of Episode 33 in our TechLaw Podcast Series sees Andrea Clarke, author of Future Fit: How to Stay Relevant and Competitive in the Future of Work, draw on her fascinating life experience to advise on how to stay secure in the future of work and create value as we undergo a digital evolution. Creating a strong sense of self in the workplace through connecting employees with a business’ purpose, strategy and leadership is critical to future success.

In part two of Episode 32 of our TechLaw Podcast Series, Alina Truhina, Chief Strategy Officer at Founders Factory Africa, resumes her conversation on business collaborations between corporates and startups with one of our partners, Chris Baird. Shifting the conversation to the challenges and opportunities for startups when joining with established corporate companies, Alina and Chris also discuss the areas of focus when working with entrepreneurs in Africa and what to expect in the next five years.

In part one of Episode 32 of our TechLaw Podcast Series, Alina Truhina, Chief Strategy Officer at Founders Factory Africa, talks business collaborations between corporates and startups with one of our partners, Chris Baird. Their conversation focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on FFA’s portfolio investment strategy, fund flows in Africa and misconceptions of investing in Africa.

In part two of Episode 31 of our TechLaw Podcast Series, Santeri Kangas and Jeremy Otis from CUJO AI, resume their conversation on artificial intelligence trends with one of our partners, Mathias Schulze Steinen. Using findings from our recent European Technology Index 2020, the discussion focuses on topics including security compliance and standardization, data processing, robotics and 5G. The group also debates whether there is a war for talent in the AI arena.

Part one of Episode 31 of our TechLaw Podcast Series features Chief Technology Officer at CUJO AI, Santeri Kangas, along with General Counsel, Jeremy Otis, discussing the latest trends in artificial intelligence with one of our partners, Mathias Schulze Steinen. The changing digital landscape forms the basis of this conversation in relation to the security of connected devices, user privacy and data collection.

In part two of Episode 30 of our TechLaw Podcast Series the discussion continues between Transaction Services Partner at Deloitte, Duncan Down, Chief Strategy Officer and Founder of StarLeaf, Will MacDonald, and the Managing Partner from our London Office, Tom Heylen. As well as insights from our European Technology Index 2020 and mention of the upcoming Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50, the conversation focuses on the integral importance of SESG in all aspects of business, the challenges of acquiring talent remotely and some of the opportunities presented by AI.

In the first part of Episode 30 of our TechLaw Podcast Series Transaction Services Partner at Deloitte, Duncan Down, and Chief Strategy Officer and Founder of StarLeaf, Will MacDonald, discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the UK tech startup scene with the Managing Partner from our London Office, Tom Heylen. The conversation includes insights from our European Technology Index 2020, the upcoming Deloitte UK Technology Fast 50 and the current challenges facing M&A, whilst also addressing the question of whether the adoption of 5G will really make that much difference to the consumer experience.

Part two of Episode 29 of our TechLaw Podcast Series concludes this discussion on Fintech in Africa between Professor Olayinka David-West, Academic Director at Lagos Business School, and Sandra Oyewole, a partner at DLA Piper Africa, Nigeria. Their conversation looks at the role of regulation in problem solving and the critical importance of focusing on data protection and cybersecurity as we continue to respond to the challenges set by COVID-19.

Part one of Episode 29 of our TechLaw Podcast Series features a fascinating discussion on Fintech in Africa between Professor Olayinka David-West, Academic Director at Lagos Business School, and Sandra Oyewole, a partner at DLA Piper Africa, Nigeria. Their conversation focuses on the recent impact of COVID-19 as well as the ongoing issue of gender imbalance in Fintech in Africa.

Episode 28 of our TechLaw Podcast Series features Executive Co-Chair at Global Digital Finance, Lawrence Wintermeyer, discussing the Fintech sector with one of our partners, Martin Bartlam. The recent findings from our European Technology Index 2020 focus the discussion on the key drivers to success in this space and the importance of regulatory collaboration. Find out more: https://www.dlapiper.com/focus/2020-european-tech-index/fintech/?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tech-index&utm_term=europe&utm_content=tech-index-podcast

Episode 27 of our TechLaw Podcast Series features CEO and Co-Founder of Transatel, Jacques Bonifay, discussing the IoT and connectivity with one of our partners, Mathias Schulze Steinen. Insights from our European Technology Index 2020 inform the conversation around the future of connected cars, smart cities and 5G.

Episode 26 of our TechLaw Podcast Series features Vice President, Head of Legal and Compliance at NTT Data, Rosy Cinefra, in discussion with one of our partners, Giulio Coraggio. The conversation covers digital transformation, innovation and relevant findings from our latest European Technology Index, all within the context of COVID-19.

Episode 25 of our TechLaw Podcast Series features CEO and founder of Context IS, Mark Raeburn, discussing cybersecurity and data protection with one of our partners, Ross McKean. The recent findings from our European Technology Index 2020 highlighting the importance of the relationship between cybersecurity and IoT is a key focus.

Jiun Kimm from Samsung NEXT joins one of our partners, Luca Gori, to explore the importance of technology in the evolution and accountability of diversity and inclusion and how the findings from our European Technology Index 2020 relate to this highly topical subject.

In episode 23 of our TechLaw Podcast Series, Consultant at DLA Piper, Lord Tim Clement-Jones is joined by Ed Thomas from GlobalData Plc. to discuss the regulatory framework likely to govern future innovation in AI-related technologies. Ed Thomas, Principal Analyst technology thematic research for GlobalData Plc., speaks to DLA Piper Consultant, Lord Tim Clement-Jones, about trending AI technologies; the types of enterprise risk arising as a result of the use of these technologies and how businesses should approach their adoption to ensure an ethical approach.