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Business Times
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Four trust types that make or break AI projects
COMPANIES invest heavily in artificial intelligence (AI), yet as many as about 80 per cent of AI projects fail. Why? Natalia Vuori (one of this article's co-authors) and her colleagues discovered that success hinges not just on the technology, but on something not easily quantifiable: various forms of trust. In other words, what employees think and feel about AI's capability. This matters even in organisations with strong cultures of trust. The researchers conducted an in-depth study at TechCo, a Scandinavian software firm of about 600 employees implementing an AI-powered knowledge-mapping tool. This tool collected data from employees' digital activities to create a visual expertise map showing who knew what across the organisation. Through interviewing TechCo's managers and employees (on condition of anonymity) and analysing data on usage of the AI tool, the researchers uncovered four forms of trust among employees. Each form of trust leads to different behaviours that could directly impact the success or failure of AI initiatives in organisations. The study, now published in the Journal of Management Studies, also points to actions through which leaders can foster various forms of trust in AI. 1. Full trust: High cognitive and emotional trust Employees with full trust believed in the AI tool's capabilities (cognitive trust) while feeling comfortable with the technology (emotional trust). As one manager said: 'I perfectly understand the logic (behind the tool), if you improve the way you're harnessing the knowledge and insights of people, if you make it easier for people to find each other, that makes perfect sense.' A people-centric approach that acknowledges both thinking and feeling dimensions of trust is essential. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up These employees saw strategic applications beyond the tool's basic functions. One of them noted: 'You can observe who you're collaborating with, as well as who you're not collaborating with... you can consider your own conduct and determine what kind of individuals you need to work with.' Emotionally, these employees felt positive about AI: 'I think it's where the world is going, and for me... if I'm working now and I'm being paid, why shouldn't it be transparent?' Significantly, employees with full trust didn't change their digital behaviours, providing the AI with accurate data needed for optimal performance. 2. Uncomfortable trust: High cognitive trust and low emotional trust The second form of trust involved employees who recognised the tool's value but worried about its implications. One manager said: 'That's a wonderful idea that you would somehow be able to figure out who would be the best expert for this... But at the same time, just when you may have started with the positive potentials, you may not have noticed these negative potentials.' Many feared the potential misuse of data: 'There is always the worry that those data will be used for something else I don't have any control over... For example, against us. Now, it's focused on people, not from the management side. But I guess companies want to be more efficient, and – well, there's a fine line.' To handle this cognitive-emotional conflict, these employees began to be wary of their digital footprints. They limited the information visible to the AI by marking calendar events as private or using generic descriptions. 3. Blind trust: Low cognitive trust and high emotional trust Some employees questioned the AI tool's competence while still feeling comfortable with it. As one interviewee said: 'I sometimes feel like it is not tracking the amount of time I've spent on either technology properly.' Another said the map generated by the tool did not accurately reflect the expertise of some colleagues. 'It was hard to find the person with actual knowledge.' Despite these concerns, they didn't feel threatened by the technology: 'I am not concerned about sharing information because I know that the information... is information that generally could benefit other people to find as well.' Interestingly, these employees responded by detailing their digital footprints. They added more information to their calendars, project entries and online discussions to help improve the tool's performance. As one employee explained: 'Let's take a step forward and provide the necessary details to make our tool more efficient.' 4. Full distrust: Low cognitive and emotional trust Employees with full distrust neither believed in the tool's capabilities nor felt comfortable with it. They described negative experiences ('I tried using (the tool), and nothing worked at all') and questioned its fundamental approach ('We shouldn't trust only data or digital services to make decisions'). These employees also experienced negative emotions, particularly fear. One confided: 'I feel that it is dangerous. My fear is that it may be the misuse of data. They (the collected data) are used against you in some cases.' Their responses were the most damaging to the AI system – either withdrawing their data entirely ('I just opt out') or actively manipulating their digital footprints by using certain keywords to shape how they appeared in the system. These behaviours created a vicious circle. When employees withdrew, confined or manipulated their digital footprints, the AI received imbalanced or inaccurate data, decreasing its performance. As one interviewee noted: 'Some experts disappeared from the visual map.' Lower performance reduced trust further, leading to decreased usage until eventually, the project failed. How to make your AI initiative stick If there's one key insight from the study, it is that a people-centric approach that acknowledges both thinking and feeling dimensions of trust are essential. Trust is not just a monolithic, one-size-fits-all concept. For a start, leaders introducing an AI tool to the workplace should provide comprehensive training that explains how AI works, its capabilities and its limitations. Such efforts build cognitive trust. Leaders should also develop and communicate clear AI policies that define what data will be collected and how it will be used. This helps employees understand the tool's role, what it's capable of and, as importantly, how employees' concerns and personal protection will be addressed. When people feel at ease, they are more likely to form emotional trust. This brings us to the point of managing expectations about AI performance. Managers should encourage patience during early stages when results may be inconsistent. Celebrate AI-driven achievements or improvements to demonstrate progress and reinforce the value of the AI initiative. The study also shows that leaders must address feelings, not just facts. Share your own enthusiasm about AI's potential benefits. Create psychological safety by encouraging the open expression of concerns about AI. Address anxieties with empathy rather than dismissal. When employees feel their emotions are acknowledged, they're more likely to develop positive connections with new technologies. Remember: True AI transformation starts not with algorithms, but with a sophisticated understanding of various forms of trust and fostering them as part of your AI initiative. Quy Huy is the Solvay chaired professor of technological innovation and a professor of strategic management at Insead Natalia Vuori is an assistant professor at the department of industrial engineering and management of Aalto University This was first published in Insead Knowledge

National Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- National Post
Tech Helps Relieve 'Critical' U.S. Truck Driver Shortage
Article content AUSTIN, Texas — 2025 U.S. Logistics Report revealed 63% of U.S. freight businesses are using some form of technology to reduce reliance on drivers. 'Critical' driver shortage worsens The report sheds light on the critical driver shortage currently faced by the U.S. freight industry. Article content 88% Article content Article content of U.S. freight businesses who say workforce limitations pose a Article content 'critical, immediate operational risk' Article content have seen Article content recruitment and retention worsen Article content in the past year. Article content U.S. road freight turns to tech to tackle driver shortage Article content In the face of a critical U.S. driver shortage, survey data indicates a clear industry pivot towards technology to reduce reliance on human drivers. Article content Only 20% of U.S. freight companies say they have no plans to harness tech to relieve workforce challenges. Article content Which tech is performing best? Article content Tech used to address workforce challenges, by highest satisfaction rating: Article content Digital freight matching: 89% Routing optimization software: 87% Warehouse robotics: 86% Fuel/energy reduction technology: 85% Driver monitoring & coaching platforms: 84% Telematics/fleet tracking: 83% Article content Digital freight matching technology Article content has the Article content highest overall satisfaction rating for tackling workforce challenges Article content , with Article content 89% Article content of users saying it helped 'significantly' or 'somewhat'. Article content This data highlights how freight matching tech can effectively relieve pressure on labor issues. Article content Routing optimization software Article content has also shown strong impact, with an Article content 87% high satisfaction rating Article content . Article content Is the pivot to tech paying off? Article content The majority of survey respondents say that technology is helping to relieve the critical labor shortage. Article content A staggering 3 in 4 U.S. freight companies say tech has helped address workforce challenges, with only 6% of respondents claiming it had no effect at all. Article content While tech adoption is far from universal, this current shift towards modern tech such as digital freight matching and other forms of logistic software, is well underway within U.S. freight businesses. Article content Harnessing this technology could not only help to ease a major labor crisis, but also boost operational efficiency, and improve business resilience within the sector. Article content 's Editor, Jack Turner, comments: Article content ' The recruitment crisis in logistics is nothing new, but the latest research from shows that tech is on hand to offer a solution, and that many freight businesses, over half, are actively using it. However, the 20% that are resisting embracing tech might find that the gap between them and their competitors growing ever wider as a result.' Editor of The Inside Lane trucking newsletter, Bianca Prieto, adds: Article content ' Tech, like digital freight matching, gives companies the ability to adapt quickly, optimize routes, and stay ahead of disruption. In an industry where time and efficiency directly impact the bottom line, leveraging this kind of technology isn't just helpful, it's a competitive advantage.' Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content


TECHx
17-06-2025
- Business
- TECHx
stc Bahrain and Huawei Announce Strategic 5G-AI Partnership
Home » Smart Sectors » Telecom » stc Bahrain and Huawei Announce Strategic 5G-AI Partnership stc Bahrain and Huawei, a global technology brand, have announced a strategic agreement to jointly develop cutting-edge 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and AI-powered digital services. The partnership aims to enhance monetization capabilities and ensure business success in the evolving TechCo era. The collaboration will build a robust ecosystem for next-generation technologies. It seeks to empower enterprises and deliver personalized experiences across the ICT sector. A comprehensive roadmap has been revealed, covering joint research and development, market exploration, and ecosystem growth. Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi, CEO of stc Bahrain, stated that the partnership strengthens their commitment to driving Bahrain's digital transformation. He added that integrating advanced technologies will help create future-proof digital services that exceed customer expectations in an increasingly connected world. Steven Yi, Huawei Senior Vice-President, reported that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to innovation through 5G-A and AI. He noted that the partnership aims to deliver transformative solutions to empower industries and enrich user experiences. The cooperation will advance next-generation connectivity and AI. Key focuses include pioneering 5G technology, optimized spectrum use, and enhanced service delivery. This will improve everyday tech experiences through innovative AI-powered solutions. Additionally, the partnership will support the development of collaborative enterprise 5G Mobile Private Networks (MPNs) and enhanced network operations. It will leverage cloud and edge computing to provide reliable, fully managed private networks. Businesses will gain access to AI-driven tools that boost efficiency. Meanwhile, individuals will benefit from training programs focused on AI and emerging technologies. Ultimately, the partnership aims to optimize network performance and accelerate faster service delivery, creating a more connected and intelligent future. This aligns with Huawei's vision of open innovation and stc Bahrain's mission to deliver next-generation connectivity. Combining Huawei's technology expertise with stc's market insights, the collaboration will accelerate Bahrain's digital transformation and position it as a regional leader in AI and 5G-A adoption. stc Bahrain and Huawei sign strategic 5G-A and AI partnership Collaboration targets enterprise 5G Mobile Private Networks and AI solutions Training programs to cultivate expertise in AI and emerging technologies Since entering Bahrain's telecom market, stc Bahrain has become the market leader. The company has driven innovation by launching high-tech devices first and offering a comprehensive wholesale and enterprise portfolio. stc Bahrain was the first operator in the country to provide broadband speeds up to 42 Mbps in 2011 and to launch 4G/LTE services in early 2014.


Mid East Info
17-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
stc Bahrain strengthens its Leadership in 5G Private Network, AI and 5G Advanced by signing a Partnership Agreement with Huawei
Shaping the Future of Digital Services in Bahrain Khalid B. Alosaimi, CEO of stc Bahrain (left) with Huawei's Senior Vice-President Steven Yi, during the MOU signing ceremony Manama, Bahrain – June, 2025: stc Bahrain, a digital enabler and Huawei, a global technology leader, have signed a strategic agreement to jointly innovate and develop cutting-edge 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and AI-powered digital services, enhancing monetization capabilities to ensure business success in the TechCo era. This cooperation aims to build a robust ecosystem for next-generation technologies, empowering enterprises and delivering personalized experiences across the ICT sector. A comprehensive roadmap for collaboration has been outlined, encompassing joint R&D, market exploration, and ecosystem development. This partnership will also facilitate the development of 5G-Advanced (5G-A) services, AI-driven digital solutions, collaborative enterprise 5G Mobile Private Networks (MPNs), and enhanced network operations. Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi, Chief Executive Officer of stc Bahrain stated, 'We are delighted to strengthen our strategic partnership with Huawei, a collaboration that takes forward our commitment to leading the digital transformation of Bahrain. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, our aim will be to create personalized, future-proof digital services that exceed the expectations of our customers in an increasingly connected world.' Steven Yi, Huawei Senior Vice-President stated: 'This partnership with stc reflects our shared commitment to driving innovation through 5G-A and AI. Together, we aim to deliver transformative solutions that empower industries and enrich user experiences'. This strategic collaboration will advance next-generation connectivity and Artificial Intelligence. Driven by pioneering advancements in 5G technology, optimized spectrum utilization, and enhanced services, it will elevate everyday tech experiences through innovative AI-powered solutions. The initiative will also empower diverse industries with reliable, fully managed private networks, leveraging the power of cloud and edge computing. Businesses will have access to AI-driven tools that enhance efficiency, while individuals will benefit from comprehensive training programs cultivating expertise in AI and emerging technologies. Ultimately, this partnership aims to optimize network performance and ensure faster service delivery, creating a more connected and intelligent future. The partnership aligns with Huawei's vision of open innovation and stc Bahrain's mission to deliver next-generation connectivity. By combining Huawei's technological expertise with stc's market insights, the partnership will accelerate Bahrain's digital transformation and position it as a regional leader in AI and 5G-A adoption. About stc Bahrain: Since entering Bahrain's telecom market, stc Bahrain has become the market leader. stc Bahrain has also positively impacted the telecommunications market by changing the way it does business and has been at the forefront of innovation by launching the latest high-tech devices first, along with having introduced a comprehensive Wholesale and Enterprise portfolio with national and international services. Through its HSPA+ network upgrade in 2011, stc Bahrain became the first operator in Bahrain to provide speeds of up to 42 Mbps to its broadband subscribers and to test successfully and showcase its 4G/LTE network in early 2012, officially launching 4G/LTE services to customers in January 2014. About Huawei: Founded in 1987, Huawei is a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices. We have more than 208,000 employees, and we operate in more than 170 countries and regions, serving more than three billion people around the world. Our Vision and mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks; bring cloud and artificial intelligence to all four corners of the earth to provide superior computing power where you need it, when you need it; build digital platforms to help all industries and organizations become more agile, efficient, and dynamic; redefine user experience with AI, making it more personalized for people in all aspects of their life, whether they're at home, in the office, or on the go.


Broadcast Pro
17-06-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
STC Bahrain and Huawei partner to drive AI and 5G-Advanced innovation
The partnership aligns with Huaweis vision of open innovation and stc Bahrains mission to deliver next-generation connectivity. STC Bahrain has entered into a strategic partnership with global technology giant Huawei to jointly develop advanced 5G-Advanced (5G-A) and AI-powered digital services. The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation, expand monetisation opportunities, and support the evolution of Bahrains digital ecosystem in the TechCo era. The agreement establishes a roadmap for joint research and development, market expansion, and the creation of a robust ecosystem for next-generation technologies. It will enable the development of AI-enhanced digital solutions, enterprise 5G Mobile Private Networks (MPNs), and more efficient network operations, offering tailored services across the ICT landscape. Eng. Khalid Al Osaimi, Chief Executive Officer of STC Bahrain, said: 'We are delighted to strengthen our strategic partnership with Huawei, a collaboration that takes forward our commitment to leading the digital transformation of Bahrain. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, our aim will be to create personalized, future-proof digital services that exceed the expectations of our customers in an increasingly connected world.' Steven Yi, President, Huawei Middle East & Africa stated: 'This partnership with stc reflects our shared commitment to driving innovation through 5G-A and AI. Together, we aim to deliver transformative solutions that empower industries and enrich user experiences.' This strategic collaboration will advance next-generation connectivity and AI, driven by pioneering advancements in 5G technology, optimised spectrum utilisation, and enhanced services. A key focus will be on elevating everyday tech experiences through innovative AI-powered solutions. It will empower diverse industries with reliable, fully managed private networks, leveraging the power of cloud and edge computing. Businesses will have access to AI-driven tools that enhance efficiency, while individuals will benefit from comprehensive training programs cultivating expertise in AI and emerging technologies. The collaboration will leverage AI to optimise network performance and ensure faster service delivery. The partnership aligns with Huaweis vision of open innovation and STC Bahrains mission to deliver next-generation connectivity. By combining Huaweis technological expertise with stcs market insights, the partnership will accelerate Bahrains digital transformation and position it as a regional leader in AI and 5G-A adoption.???