"Competing in the Age of AI" by Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani explores how businesses can thrive in the era of artificial intelligence. The book emphasizes the transformative power of AI and offers strategic insights for organizations to remain competitive. Key Takeaways: AI as a General-PurposRead more
“Competing in the Age of AI” by Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani explores how businesses can thrive in the era of artificial intelligence. The book emphasizes the transformative power of AI and offers strategic insights for organizations to remain competitive.
Key Takeaways:
- AI as a General-Purpose Technology: The authors argue that AI is a general-purpose technology, akin to electricity and the internet. It has the potential to reshape industries and business models across the board.
- Shift from Firms to Ecosystems: The book discusses the move from traditional firm-centric models to ecosystems where companies collaborate and compete simultaneously. Successful businesses leverage AI to create interconnected ecosystems that foster innovation.
- Building Intelligent Products and Services: The authors highlight the importance of embedding AI into products and services to enhance their capabilities. This includes using machine learning to create smarter, more personalized offerings that meet evolving customer demands.
- Data as a Strategic Asset: Data is positioned as a critical strategic asset. Businesses that effectively collect, analyze, and utilize data gain a competitive edge. The book emphasizes the need for a robust data strategy to harness the full potential of AI.
- Organizational Transformation: Successfully navigating the AI landscape requires a fundamental organizational transformation. This involves developing a culture of experimentation, fostering agility, and cultivating a workforce with the skills to thrive in an AI-driven environment.
Based on the most recent information about Pakistan's budget (Fiscal Year 2025-26), here's what is expected to become cheaper, alongside what is expected to become more expensive: Expected to become cheaper: * Cigarettes and beverages: The budget has proposed a reduction in taxes on these items, whiRead more
Based on the most recent information about Pakistan’s budget (Fiscal Year 2025-26), here’s what is expected to become cheaper, alongside what is expected to become more expensive:
See lessExpected to become cheaper:
* Cigarettes and beverages: The budget has proposed a reduction in taxes on these items, which could make them cheaper. This is a change from the old trend of increasing taxes on cigarettes every year.
* Dining out (with digital payments): In the previous budget (FY24), the tax rate for dining out through debit/credit cards, mobile wallets, or QR scanning was reduced from 15% to 5%. This makes dining out cheaper if digital payment methods are used.
* Solar energy products: The previous budget also announced an exemption on customs duty for raw materials used in the production of solar energy products (inverters, solar panels, and batteries). This was aimed at promoting renewable energy and reducing costs for consumers.
Expected to become more expensive:
* Snacks and sodas: The budget proposes excise duty on items like chips, biscuits, cold drinks, and ice cream.
* Frozen meat, sauces, and cooked meals: A 5% excise duty is also proposed on these items.
* Processed items: Excise duty is proposed on several processed items.
* E-commerce: An 18% sales tax is proposed on e-commerce.
* Local vehicles up to 850 cc: The General Sales Tax (GST) rate is proposed to be increased from 12.5% to 18%, which may make small vehicles more expensive.
* Imported solar panels: An 18% sales tax is proposed on imported solar panels to promote domestically manufactured ones.
It’s important to note that the budget details are still being finalized, and the actual impact on prices may vary.