Artificial intelligence is already reshaping how we work, learn, build businesses and make decisions. But with change happening so quickly, many people are still asking the same questions: what does it really mean for me, my organisation and the world around us? That’s why Sheffield Digital is launching Talking AI – a new campaign designed to explore the developments and deployments of AI in Sheffield, while creating space for honest, practical and inclusive conversations about its impact.
Over the coming months, Talking AI will shine a light on how AI is transforming operations for our member companies and their clients, as well as the effect it is having on people’s professional lives – both positive and negative.
The campaign will bring together founders, engineers, educators, researchers, policymakers and the wider digital tech community to explore the opportunities, risks and realities of AI.
Why now?
For Sheffield Digital Director Mel Kanarek, the timing feels important.
“There are so many different facets to AI and it can be easy to focus on one or two areas and miss the bigger picture, especially with how fast everything is changing and growing.”
As AI tools become more visible in everyday life and business operations, the need for balanced, informed discussion has never been greater. Mel explains,
“We’re planning to address AI from a variety of different perspectives, both technical and non-technical, to share the knowledge and thought-leadership in the Sheffield Digital community.”
With AI often being spoken about in extremes; either as a threat to society or a miracle solution to nearly every problem out there, Talking AI aims to cut through that noise.
The campaign will encourage and amplify thoughtful discussion, backed by lived experience and practical insight from people building, using and governing AI technologies right now.
What to expect from Talking AI
Talking AI is not about finding all the answers. It’s about creating a platform for Sheffield’s tech community to ask better questions and learn from one another.
As an example, some of the key questions Mel hopes the campaign will help explore are:
- How is AI going to change my job or employment prospects?
- How can I get real, lasting value from AI for my business?
- What are the security risks around AI, and what can I do about them?
- What are the wider risks for society, and how should we address them?
- How do I separate genuine AI benefits from the hype?
- How do I talk to children and students about AI, and prepare them for an AI future?
- Do the people shaping AI regulation have the right information and skills to do so?
The campaign will feature a curated programme of activity across the year, including:
- Guest blogs and thought leadership pieces
- Case studies showcasing AI innovation in Sheffield
- Monthly LinkedIn polls to gather views and insight
- Workshops to upskill teams and share best practice
- Meetups and showcases bringing the community together
- Special partner events focused on policy, collaboration and connection
Content and events will be shaped around four themes:
- Ethics, the environment and inclusivity
- Education and skills
- How is AI changing lives now?
- How will AI change lives in the future?
Join the conversation
Sheffield is home to a thriving digital ecosystem with deep technical expertise, entrepreneurial ambition and a strong collaborative spirit. Talking AI is an opportunity to bring those strengths together around one of the defining technologies of our time.
If you have a case study, insight, product, workshop idea or perspective to share, Sheffield Digital wants to hear from you. Drop us an email with a short pitch, explaining your area of interest.
Join the conversation on LinkedIn using #TalkingAISheffield and help shape the future of AI in our city.