David Lucido: Strategic Decision Science

Chief Executive Officer, Sentient Hubs (previous winner of ACS WAITTA The INCITE Awards) presented on the topic, "Strategic Decision Science: How emerging 'Sentient Al' enables holistic 'system-of-systems' simulation & impact modelling.", focusing on the transformative potential of AI in addressing complex societal and environmental challenges.

David outlined the limitations of current approaches that often treat problems in isolation, leading to fragmented and inefficient solutions. He highlighted the need for a paradigm shift towards a "system-of-systems" perspective, where interconnected factors such as energy policy, decarbonisation efforts, water management, and transport systems are analysed holistically. He stressed that understanding the dynamic interdependencies between these systems is critical for making informed, sustainable decisions.

Through the integration of advanced AI-driven modelling, Sentient Hubs seeks to provide a framework that supports strategic, evidence-based decision-making. David emphasised the importance of moving from data-centric approaches to model-centric thinking, focusing first on the critical questions that need answers before collecting and analysing data. This approach enables organisations to evaluate multiple scenarios and trade-offs, fostering better policy-level decisions in areas like environmental sustainability, economic development, and community well-being.

David also touched on the evolving role of accountability, noting that traditional five-year plans or static strategies are no longer sufficient in a world of rapid change. Instead, he advocates for agile, adaptive decision frameworks that can respond to shifting conditions and emerging technologies. By democratising access to sophisticated modelling tools, David envisions a future where businesses, governments, and communities can collaborate effectively to address global challenges.

His presentation highlighted the practical applications of Sentient Hubs' innovative platform, which integrates diverse datasets and models, such as environmental, economic, and social metrics, into a unified decision-making hub. David's call to action was clear: by embracing advanced AI and holistic modelling, we can build a more resilient and sustainable future.