Digital innovation in 2024: more than just AI

2024 will be remembered as the year Artificial Intelligence, particularly Generative AI, dominated discussions on digital technologies. However, this widespread attention—while justified by AI’s immense potential—overshadowed other equally significant digital innovations. This was the central theme of 2024 NoIA – Not Only Artificial Intelligence, an event organized by SDA Bocconi’s DEVO Lab on November 26 at the SDA Bocconi Auditorium Grande.

The event attracted over 200 Italian managers representing 30 companies that support the laboratory.

Gianluigi Castelli, Director of DEVO Lab, opened the event by presenting the lab's achievements in 2024, including events, academic and practitioner publications, and new collaborations. Following this, Severino Meregalli, DEVO Lab’s Scientific Director, analyzed AI’s role in the current landscape. He highlighted the risks of concentrating resources and attention solely on one technology, warning that such a focus could lead to neglecting other critical digital domains.

Gianluca Salviotti, DEVO Lab’s Operations Director, showcased the HIT Radar, the lab’s research tool designed to evaluate and monitor the entire technology landscape. This comprehensive approach enabled DEVO Lab to mitigate the risk of excessive focus on AI by also assessing technologies such as digital infrastructure for storage and computing, 3D printing, communication technologies, human augmentation solutions, and advanced robotics.

The event then delved into three specific technology streams:

1. Quantum Technologies – Federica Mantegazzini, researcher at the Bruno Kessler Foundation, provided an overview of quantum technologies, mapping startups and companies in the field, analyzing European investments, and highlighting Italy’s achievements.

   

2. Brain-Computer Interfaces – Fabio Boi, CTO and co-founder of Corticale, shared his company’s experiences with brain-computer interfaces, showcasing therapeutic applications that could revolutionize medicine in the coming years.

   

3. Blockchain and Layer 2 – Leonardo Maria De Rossi, Fintech Coordinator at DEVO Lab, introduced a panel discussion on new blockchain infrastructures with Christian Miccoli, co-founder of Conio. The discussion emphasized how Layer 2 solutions, though not strictly necessary today, could play a crucial role with the rise of tokenomics.

The event delivered a clear message: following trends—even when justified—is not a sustainable strategy for digital innovation. The future demands a balanced approach that embraces a broad and diverse technological ecosystem.

SDA Bocconi School of Management