As the European Investment Bank (EIB) continues its digital transformation journey, Innovate 2024 showcased how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are taking center stage through collaboration.
Held on November 27, the EIB’s Innovate 2024 event was a celebration of technology and its potential to elevate human capabilities. Anchored by the three pillars, augmented work, augmented skills, and augmented teams, attendees were offered hands-on experiences, insightful demonstrations, and a keynote address by futurist and AI strategist Elin Hauge. “The whole purpose of today was to inspire and enable the colleagues of the EIB and EIF, to see where technology can help us advance, in a better, more compliant, more client-centric, and more efficient way,” said Kaisu Christie, Group Chief Digital Officer at EIB.
“We understand the value of investing in innovation, investing in doing new things, because it makes us better, stronger, faster, and more resilient […]”
Kaisu Christie, Group Chief Digital Officer at EIB
Key themes
Key themes and activities at Innovate 2024 highlighted the transformative potential of technology across three areas, augmented work, augmented skills, and augmented teams.
Under the umbrella of augmented work, innovative tools and AI solutions demonstrated their ability to streamline workflows and eliminate inefficiencies. GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered code assistant, showcased how it accelerates development by providing intelligent code suggestions. The OSD Help Desk Chatbot illustrated its role as a virtual assistant, simplifying navigation through EIB’s internal procedures and policies. Additionally, robotic process automation (RPA) on daily booking transactions was featured as a practical example of how bots can handle routine financial tasks, enabling employees to focus on more strategic work.
For augmented skills, immersive learning technologies took center stage, underscoring how augmented and virtual reality can revolutionize professional development. The LIST RisarX-AR training tool demonstrated its value as a resource for radiology training, allowing users to enhance their technical expertise in realistic scenarios. Platforms like LinkedIn Learning and GoFluent emphasized the power of AI in personalizing learning experiences, supporting EIB staff in acquiring professional and language skills tailored to their needs. The EIB also showcased its future Oracle HR systems and its Digital Academy, highlighting pathways for skill development and career advancement.
The theme of augmented teams focused on how new collaboration tools harness collective innovation and teamwork. The IRIS Contracts Green Belt platform, which leverages Microsoft Power Apps, was highlighted for its ability to digitize contract negotiations, improve transparency, and streamline workflows. Meanwhile, the Fanuc OXO Cobot captivated attendees with its interactive demonstration, including a game of tic-tac-toe, illustrating the precision, interactivity, and practical applications of collaborative robotics in enhancing teamwork and operational efficiency.
Exhibitor highlights
In addition to the RisarX-AR training tool, LIST introduced tools like the AI Sandbox Learning Environment, BASSER Bot Framework, which simplify access to large public datasets. Their innovative solutions emphasize the importance of data-driven insights and AI-driven learning.
Evotion’s robotic barista amazed attendees by preparing personalized coffee orders, presenting the synergy between automation and customer experience.
Meanwhile, Virtual Rangers demonstrated immersive AR and VR solutions tailored for education, training, and entertainment. Visitors also had the chance to wear the German Bionic Exoskeleton, experiencing firsthand how this wearable technology enhances physical strength, reduces strain, and improves posture in industrial settings. “We understand the value of investing in innovation, investing in doing new things, because it makes us better, stronger, faster, and more resilient, which is what we are asking. This is what we aim to achieve for the economy as a whole, and for our partners,” said Kaisu Christie.
Attendees also explored interactive demos at various stands, including the Digital Transformation Office of the EIB, highlighting how optimization and standardization can enhance business processes, and the VR Interior Design under the EIB Buildings & Logistics (BLD), allowing users to experiment with materials and layouts in immersive 3D environments. “We are doing things in a different way and having a bit of fun. We had the lean cookie factory upstairs. So it’s a fun way to showcase and learn new things. I think it’s also important to celebrate those things as well,” said Kaisu Christie.
“All of our jobs here at EIB are to make an impact on society, make an impact for growing, making the EU more prosperous, more safe, more resilient […]”
Kaisu Christie, Group Chief Digital Officer at EIB
A Thought-provoking keynote
Elin Hauge took the stage, delivering a captivating keynote on the future of AI and its role in elevating human potential. With her expertise in physics, mathematics, and business strategy, Ms. Hauge connected the dots between cutting-edge AI applications and their broader implications for society. Hauge’s presentation stood out for its clarity and depth, as she demystified complex AI concepts and made them accessible to a diverse audience. Her talk wasn’t merely about technology but about the human story behind it, how AI can be harnessed to solve pressing global challenges, innovation, and create a more equitable future.
Innovate 2024 reaffirmed the EIB’s commitment to leveraging technology for a better future. By raising awareness of emerging innovations and sharing real-world use cases, the event empowered attendees to imagine new possibilities in their professional and personal lives. Innovate 2024 was not just an event, but a testament to what is possible when human ingenuity meets technological advancement. “All of our jobs here at EIB are to make an impact on society, make an impact for growing, making the EU more prosperous, more safe, more resilient. So how can we in our jobs, whether I work with IT, whether I work in legal, whether I work in the frontline, talking with the customers, how we can make, how we can do our work jobs better to serve what we are here to do,” said Kaisu Christie.
