Alphaeus Hanson, Chair of Jacksonville Global Shapers was part of the 50 young innovators and activists from the Global Shapers Community (GSC) who participated in this year’s World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, demonstrating the unique perspective young leaders bring to tackling global challenges. The delegation from the GSC comes from diverse backgrounds across multiple countries, reflecting the community’s broad network of 18,000 young leaders and alumni in more than 500 city-based hubs.
Independent hubs around the world identify and work on projects that are most important to them. They believe that local efforts, supported by a global network, can lead to lasting change worldwide. Their mission is to inspire, empower and connect leaders to reach their full potential, amplify emerging voices in decision-making, and positively shape their communities and the world.
“Personally, I am specifically focused on the US right now, but the Middle East is an area with immense promise due to the numerous initiatives underway in the UAE and Saudi Arabia,” Hanson told TRENDS on the sidelines of the Davos meeting, highlighting the region’s growing role in global investment. “The GCC is extremely active in sourcing investment and helping their firms get up and running. Qatar is also playing a key role, and it’s a region I would love to explore further.”
Excerpts from the interview:
How do you see your industry evolving in 2025, and how are the conversations here in Davos shaping that future?
I believe that industries in 2025, particularly venture capital, hold a lot of promise. There’s significant optimism around the deployment of dry powder, with a lot of funds finally coming off the sidelines to invest in fresh, innovative ideas that are focused on disrupting traditional industries. I think that’s a theme that I’m finding quite consistent in the conversation I’m having with Davos. However, there’s always room for disruption, and I think that’s going to be something to watch out for.
What are some of the key takeaways so far from your interactions here with global leaders in different fields?
Well, I think a key takeaway is just that the future is very promising, but we have to be very concerned. We have to keep in front of mind the concerns and the challenges around these technologies, specifically artificial intelligence. There are trust and safety challenges that we have to keep in mind. There are obviously data and cybersecurity challenges that we have to continue to prioritize as we develop those. So the number one overarching theme is promise, but also, I think just being more prudent on how we’re approaching that.
And any particular regions that are emerging or have potential that you’re looking at?
Well, personally, I am specifically focused on the US right now, but as far as regions with promise, Middle East is an area that is very promising because they have a lot of initiatives going on in the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. The GCC is extremely active in sourcing investment in helping their firms get up and running. I know Qatar is as well. That’s an area in particular I would love to learn more about.
What are your thoughts on artificial intelligence as a trend, and how do you see it shaping the future of industries and technologies?
It’s never too smart to make many predictions on a technology like artificial intelligence because it’s just so dynamic. There’s so many use cases. There are so many companies looking to maximize their ability to capture market share. And so with all that ambition, one thing I can believe is that it’s going to be interesting. There’s going to be no shortage of excitement around artificial intelligence. And who’s going to succeed? I mean, I really don’t even know. It’s hard to even tell at this point. It’s still early, I believe. I think many people overlook the fact that emerging technologies beyond artificial intelligence can leverage AI to drive the next generation of innovation and propel us into the next phase of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
(Edited by Riyaz Wani)