The superpower of interdisciplinary and transversal approaches for innovation

The important challenges of today are increasingly complex and intertwined. Opportunities create challenges, which in turn create new opportunities. Digitalization raises questions about the human dimension in a digital world as well as the related energy consumption. Data science and AI are disruptors in health care. How are sustainability goals interconnected, and how do we reconcile environmental and industrial policy?

Interdisciplinarity and transversality are not new concepts, but they will become crucial skills for both individuals and institutions in the coming years. I will trace the development of these concepts from the past to the present and then project their future significance. We will explore the potential of interdisciplinarity, T-shaped skills, and key-enabling technologies. Ultimately, I will argue that Artificial Intelligence will play a major role as both a driver and enabler in boosting strategies to achieve sustainable and groundbreaking advancements.