TECHNOLOGY | DIGITAL ECOSYSTEMS

A significant proportion of business leaders and other stakeholders would allege the answer to be ‘ no ’, especially given the era of immense digital transformation through which we are living , headlined by the dawn of generative AI .

That ’ s without even considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic , and the way certain working practices and expectations changed pretty much overnight as a result .

Carsten Bruhn , President and CEO at Ricoh North America , goes as far as to say the creation of a well-functioning digital ecosystem has become “ critical ” in the context of today ’ s business environment .

“ The concept of the ‘ office ’ has changed forever and every organisation is still working out what the future looks like for them ,” he continues .

“ What hasn ’ t changed is people ’ s desire for engagement and connection . So , enabling a digital ecosystem and digital experience – both internally for your employees and externally with your customers – is one of the most important things you can do to sustain your business .”

Fellow CEO Clare Hart highlights the importance of a digital ecosystem to the services being provided by her own company , Williams Lea , adding that increasing use of technology and AI in business operations and processes has moved the goalposts .

“ Companies must think about how they can effectively utilise technology partnerships with clients , suppliers and partners to drive streamlined , scalable and , ultimately , more competitive businesses ,” outlines Hart .

“ At Williams Lea , we work closely with firms in the banking , legal and professional services industries , and we ’ re constantly receiving feedback from clients about how they ’ re looking to streamline their operations to maximise efficiency .

“ We support these businesses through techenabled services and help them understand

Carsten Bruhn CEO North America , Ricoh businesschief . com 105