Change Makers 2026: AI vs. Management: Who really understands what is changing?

Stjepan Sučić, President of the Management Board of KONČAR – Digital, took part in the Change Makers 2026 conference organized by Poslovni dnevnik.

Stjepan Sučić, KONČAR - Digital
Foto: Neva Žganec/PIXSELL

Together with Nataša Zec, CEO and Founder of Pontis Technology, and moderator Saša Ćeramilac, he discussed the impact of artificial intelligence on business, the challenges of its implementation, and the gap between today’s AI hype and the actual business value organizations are able to achieve in practice.

The speakers highlighted that the journey from pilot projects to successful AI adoption in business processes is often more challenging than it appears. A lack of high-quality data, the complexity of integrating AI with existing systems, and the need to develop new skills and ways of working remain some of the key obstacles for many organizations.

Drawing on KONČAR Group’s experience, Stjepan Sučić emphasized that artificial intelligence creates the greatest value when it supports human decision-making rather than attempting to replace it. He also stressed the importance of high-quality, structured data as a prerequisite for successful digital and AI transformation.

Stjepan Sučić, KONČAR - Digital
Foto: Neva Žganec/PIXSELL

As examples of successful implementation, he pointed to corporate functions such as human resources and marketing, where AI can accelerate the processing and analysis of large volumes of data. In more complex environments, such as the management and maintenance of energy equipment, AI’s contribution is most evident through data-processing automation and advanced analytics.

Another key topic of the discussion was the responsibility of management teams when making decisions about investments in AI solutions. The speakers agreed that organizations must clearly define the business problem they aim to solve, establish measurable success criteria, and ensure accountability for the results achieved.

The discussion once again confirmed that artificial intelligence is not an end in itself, but a tool capable of delivering real value only when implemented with clearly defined business objectives, high-quality data, and appropriate governance processes.

By participating in Change Makers 2026, KONČAR – Digital continued to actively contribute to discussions on advanced technologies and the digital transformation of business.