Artificial Intelligence, from ChatGPT to DeepSeek: the new perspectives and priorities of the sector

Artificial intelligence is redefining our present and shaping the future in ways that, until a few years ago, seemed impossible to imagine. From medicine to energy, from transport to finance, AI has become a crucial element of global economic and social development. But this technological revolution is also at the centre of fierce competition among the world’s major powers, with historical implications of an economic, strategic, and geopolitical nature.

The recent success of DeepSeek, an app developed by a Chinese start-up, has shaken the international technology landscape, questioning the dominance of the US AI industry. In just a few days, the entire sector suffered unprecedented economic and financial repercussions, marking what could be a turning point in the AI landscape that requires deep, global reflection on the strategies needed to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

To better understand what these changes mean, the challenges they pose, and the opportunities they open up, we contacted Professor Giovanni Miragliotta, Director of the Professional Certificate Artificial Intelligence For Professionals at POLIMI Graduate School of Management, who, in this interview, explores the role of AI in global technological competition, its economic impact, as well as the ethical implications and new perspectives that this revolution is opening up for the world of work and society as a whole.

Professor, the recent success of DeepSeek has had a significant impact on the US technology sector. Can you explain why?

The launch of DeepSeek was an event unique in the industry of AI. For years, the US has dominated the AI industry thanks to giants like OpenAI and Nvidia. Today, the success of a Chinese start-up like DeepSeek shows that the centre of gravity of technological innovation is changing. The fact that an emerging company has managed to develop an app at the very least comparable to ChatGPT is a clear signal of increasing competitiveness in the industry. What has happened suggests that is that it is no longer enough to have access to the best talent and the most advanced technology infrastructure: it is also crucial to adopt innovative and flexible development strategies.

The advent of DeepSeek has also had an impact on the economic and equity markets.

That's right. Nvidia’s shares plummeted 16.86% in a single day, with a market capitalisation loss of as much as US$ 589 billion, one of the largest ever recorded in the history of the stock exchange, demonstrating how crucial the AI industry is to global financial equilibrium. But such a stock-market earthquake highlights a deeper aspect: the fact that measures taken by the United States to contain the growth of Chinese technology, such as restrictions on the export of advanced semiconductors, have failed to stop that country’s progress in artificial intelligence.

How can DeepSeek influence new AI development paradigms?

There is a significant contrast between DeepSeek and other AI models, such as ChatGPT. DeepSeek is distinguished by its ability to operate with limited resources and adapt quickly to market needs; American models, on the other hand, tend to be based on more traditional approaches, with massive investment and a larger scale. This paradigm difference not only questions the US’s technological dominance but also suggests that innovation may emerge from different contexts, requiring a reassessment of AI development and investment strategies. Competition between these models could lead to a faster and more diversified evolution of AI globally.

In this scenario, AI is called upon to answer certain ethical questions that can no longer be postponed.

Exactly. Artificial intelligence raises important ethical questions, especially in terms of privacy, security and transparency. One of the main concerns is the misuse of personal data. Moreover, without adequate measures to ensure a fair distribution of its benefits, advanced automation could potentially exacerbate social inequalities, as Kristalina Goergieva, the International Monetary Fund’s Chief Operating Officer, has also pointed out. For this reason, it is essential that governments, companies, and the scientific community work together to develop regulations and guidelines that ensure responsible use of artificial intelligence, in every context.

So far we have talked about challenges: what are the most promising opportunities offered by artificial intelligence?

Artificial intelligence is a technological revolution that can profoundly transform many sectors. A significant example is the design of nuclear fusion power plants, where AI is used to optimise systems and accelerate their development. Personal care is another field that is benefitting greatly from the potential of artificial intelligence, from the designing and testing of new pharmacological principles to more accessible diagnoses and personalised treatments that improve the quality of care. Smart infrastructure is also evolving, with cities becoming increasingly efficient, sustainable, and safe. The transport sector also sees autonomous cars as a promise of greater road safety and intelligent mobility, while advanced energy storage technologies are paving the way for a wider deployment of renewable sources, making our future more sustainable.

Artificial intelligence is also transforming the world of work. What are the main implications for employment?

According to the World Economic Forum, by 2030, changing global trends in technology, the economy, demography, and the ecological transition will generate 170 million new jobs, while 92 million will be shifted to other tasks. In short, we are not facing a mere loss of employment, but rather its profound transformation, led by AI and automation. We are talking about a transition that is already taking place, and one which will require an increasing commitment to training and the upgrading of skills. Universities and other educational institutions will have a central role to play in ensuring that workers are prepared for the new challenges of the market.

In this regard, what role is education called upon to play?

In all areas, education is at the heart of technological transformation, including on the artificial intelligence front. For AI to have a positive impact on society, it is essential to train professionals not only in strong technical skills, but also with a clear vision of the purpose of its use. This approach is also the cornerstone of our Professional Certificate Artificial Intelligence For Professionals, whose main objective is to train professionals to be able to manage change by using AI in a conscious way to create value for the benefit not only of the business, but of the community as a whole. Now, more than ever, investing in education on these issues and promoting an ethic of innovation is essential to ensuring that technological progress is truly at the service of humanity. At the service of all, not just the few.