IÉS ! #24 - Is AI really artificial?

Artificial Intelligence” has undoubtedly been one of the hottest topics in the media in 2025. It has been everywhere — again and again — sometimes presented as a threat, sometimes as a promise, sometimes as an ongoing revolution. As someone working in technology, it is naturally part of my daily routine. Each day brings its share of profound disruptions in the way we work, produce, sell and make decisions. 

I am convinced it will remain a central topic in 2026. AI is not a passing trend; it represents a fundamental shift in our societies and economies. Yet one of the greatest challenges in the months and years ahead will be to separate genuine disruption from simple use-case innovation — sometimes useful, sometimes merely a gadget.

It may be a professional reflex, but I am equally convinced that AI cannot exist without data. AI is no magic trick. It does not create value out of thin air. The real challenge for every organization lies in structuring and improving the reliability of its data to fully harness these technologies. Otherwise,  AI remains an empty promise — like trying to start a Ferrari with unrefined fuel. However powerful  the engine may be, it simply will not run. The future belongs to those who refine their data before step-ping on the accelerator. 

I hope the testimonies featured in this special edition will help you form your own opinion on a topic that is far from losing relevance.

Henri Hecquet (Grande École 2022) - IÉSEG Network Administrator