A corporate communications and reputation expert, in an increasingly digitised and interconnected environment, must embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as an essential tool to refine their strategies and gain a competitive advantage. AI, if properly integrated, can revolutionise the way a company manages its image and interacts with the public, leading to a more analytical, timely and personalised approach. Here’s how Consilium exploits it:
1.Real-time monitoring and analysis:
One of the main areas where AI proves useful in corporate reputation management is in monitoring online conversations. Social media, forums, reviews and news are now the places where a brand’s reputation is built and destroyed. Using advanced AI tools, such as sentiment analysis and social listening, it is possible to track in real time what is being said about the company or its products/services. These tools can automatically analyse huge volumes of data, identifying trends, positive or negative opinions, and signalling possible crises in the early stages. Predictive analysis, thanks to machine learning algorithms, also makes it possible to identify potential threats to reputation before they become problems. For example, if recurring negative discussions on a specific topic are detected, the company can intervene promptly with a targeted response or corrective action, preventing a small problem from turning into an image crisis.
2. Crisis response and proactive management:
In a digital environment where information travels at an impressive speed, the ability to respond in a timely manner is crucial to protect a company’s reputation. Artificial intelligence can facilitate rapid and effective crisis management. In addition to monitoring conversation flows, AI can be used to generate automatic and appropriate responses in real time, both on social channels and in online reviews. In addition, simulating scenarios using predictive algorithms makes it possible to prepare for different eventualities by creating communication plans in response to potential crises. For example, if the AI detects growing discontent among consumers about a particular product, an automatic response can be prepared that reassures customers and proposes solutions. In parallel, data analysis makes it possible to monitor the effectiveness of corporate responses, continuously improving crisis management strategies
3. Personalising content and improving engagement:
Artificial intelligence is not only a tool for monitoring and crisis management, but can also be used to personalise content and improve customer interaction. In fact, AI algorithms make it possible to create tailor-made experiences for different audience segments, improving engagement. By analysing users‘ online behaviour, AI is able to suggest relevant content, personalised recommendations and even anticipate consumers’ needs. In the context of corporate communication, AI can support the creation of targeted messages that better resonate with audiences, increasing their loyalty. For example, an email marketing campaign can be optimised thanks to AI, which automatically selects and sends personalised messages based on the interests and preferences of each recipient. This approach improves brand perception, making communication closer and more relevant to specific customer needs.
4. Automation of communication processes:
Artificial intelligence is also a powerful ally in the automation of repetitive tasks and daily operations in the field of business communication. With the use of AI-based software, many routine tasks such as content management, social media updates or regular reporting can be automated. This frees the communications team from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic, high value-added activities. For example, AI can be used to automatically generate reputation monitoring reports, analysing the collected data and providing clear and easily interpretable summaries. This saves time and allows for more informed decision-making. Furthermore, the AI algorithm can suggest improvements in communication strategies, based on performance data, audience interactions and emerging trends.
5. Advanced analysis and reporting:
Another way in which a business communication expert can benefit from AI is through advanced data analysis. AI platforms can collect, organise and analyse huge amounts of data from different sources: social media, customer feedback, news articles, reviews, and so on. This analysis provides in-depth insight into how the audience perceives the company, identifying areas for improvement and opportunities for growth. In summary, a corporate communications and reputation expert should embrace artificial intelligence as a tool to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their operations. AI makes it possible to monitor reputation in real time, respond quickly to crises, personalise communication, automate processes and gather useful insights to refine strategies. When used correctly, AI not only improves corporate reputation management, but also allows you to build a deeper, more authentic and targeted relationship with your customers.
Consilium Comunicazione takes care of its growth in these areas in collaboration withReD OPEN, a spin-off of the Università degli Studi Milano Bicocca registered as an innovative start-up, which has been supporting since its inception – in 2019 – the dissemination in corporate and non-corporate organisations of a conscious, responsible and assessable approach to the social and ethical impact of digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence. By means of tools such as AI Check & Go™ and Privacy Check & Go, ReD OPEN implements an innovative technological transfer of legal and regulatory issues to enable companies to consolidate their corporate governance with the digital responsibility component, which is measurable and also useful for sustainability budgets. More information on https://www.redopen.it/prodotti/
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping the media world, raising questions about issues such as human control and copyright protection. Recently, Tg2 and the New York Times took actions to protect their content from being used for AI training, raising debates on the importance of transparency and compliance in the news industry. This scenario highlights how AI can represent both an opportunity and a threat to the future of information.
OpenAI, a leader in the AI sector, is going through a period of significant change, with a transition from a non-profit to a for-profit model and new fundraising that could value it at around $150 billion. It recently signed an agreement with CDP Venture Capital to support Italian start-ups in adopting AI technologies. This agreement, which follows Microsoft’s investment in Italy, represents an important step for the development of generative AI in our country.
While the media continue to debate these issues, the reality is that the information world still struggles to integrate with this new context, in which the data stored and produced on a daily basis become invaluable resources for training increasingly advanced technological solutions. There is no doubt about the importance of transparency in training such systems, especially now that we are moving towards combining traditional content with detailed personal data. Regulations will be crucial, but with increasing automation in the field of information, it will be crucial to ensure strict controls and validations.
IA e Diritto d’Autore: Una Sfida per la Creatività
The issue of copyright in the field of AI-generated creations is complex and debated. Currently, works produced entirely by artificial intelligence systems do not enjoy legal protection unless there is a significant human contribution. The creative contribution of the human being is crucial to ensure copyright protection, as automatically generated content is considered to lack autonomous originality. A recent Agenda Digitale‘s survey showed how AI is already transforming the journalism sector, improving efficiency and personalisation of content, while raising concerns about the quality of information. Faced with these challenges, the National Council of the Order of Journalists emphasised the importance of human supervision, a crucial element in maintaining high ethical and quality standards.
AI and Corporate Communication: Transparency is the key
The adoption of AI in corporate communication is set to grow, but requires a responsible approach. Consilium Hub and Red Open have launched a programme to integrate AI into corporate communication and assess its transparency. Red Open is a spin-off of the University of Milan-Bicocca, which specialises precisely in the responsible adoption of AI technologies. The aim of this programme is to analyse the particular impact of generative AI in corporate information management. The project, based on the AI ResponsAbility By Design™ model, aims to improve transparency, governance and decision-making processes by promoting a conscious and responsible use of AI in communication.
To address these challenges, Red Open experts developed AI Check & Go™, a self-assessment questionnaire designed to help companies identify strengths and critical areas in AI integration. Through this tool, Consilium was able to check its level of awareness and maturity in the use of AI technologies, obtaining precise indications on how to improve in terms of data protection and accountability. The programme also involved other corporate and institutional entities to create a shared benchmark to help companies evaluate and improve their practices. In this way, agencies are preparing to embrace this technological innovation, contributing to the development of a more effective and innovative communications environment.
Companies that are able to integrate these technologies with responsible approaches will be better positioned to reap the benefits. The ability to monitor and manage the risks associated with the automated generation of content and use of data will be crucial to long-term success. Projects such as the one initiated by Consilium Hub and Red Open represent concrete examples of how it is possible to integrate AI while maintaining human and quality control.
Today, July 12, 2024, the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), the European Artificial Intelligence Regulation that will come into force in Italy on August 2, 2024, was published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
With the AI Act, the EU aims to ensure that the use of artificial intelligence is safe and reliable.
All businesses will have to adapt to the new rules of the Union, the first in the world to regulate the disruptive artificial intelligence revolution, becoming trailblazers and pioneers in the technology that now promises to change organizations and the lives of all of us.
These days, Seeds for the Future 2024, the 11th edition of the project organized and funded by Huawei, is taking place in Rome, during which ample space is devoted to the international Tech4Good program, a group project work designed so that students can better understand the role played by technology in solving complex global problems.
The initiative is taking place for the first time in Europe – previous editions have always been held in China – and is involving about 150 students, including 24 from Italy, from July 1 to 5. The program offers a pathway on technology and innovation and aims to promote merit and excellence among young people in the ICT sector, focusing not only on educational aspects but also on concrete application in the industrial world.
The training also has a section dedicated to competition: part of each day is devoted to the project starting with the identification of a problem and ending with the proposal of a technological solution and the development of a plan for its implementation.
The students, divided into groups, are guided by dedicated mentors who help them acquire the necessary skills to develop their idea and present it effectively, assess the feasibility of their project and follow its execution step by step. Afterwards, the two European finalist groups will have the opportunity to participate in the global competition to be held in China in 2025 (TBD). The three global finalist groups will then have access to prizes and additional advanced coaching sessions with industry experts.
On Friday, July 5, the final day of the project, there will be a presentation of the Tech4Good semi-finalist projects, followed in the early evening by the award ceremony for the finalist projects and the most outstanding students.
Seeds for the Future is Huawei’s main global CSR program. Launched in 2008, it aims to develop local ICT talent, improve technology knowledge sharing and promote greater interest in the digital technology sector. To date, Seeds for the Future has involved 140 countries and seen the participation of more than 18,000 students. In Europe, the program was launched in 2011 and, to date, has involved more than 6,000 students from 37 countries.
Consilium took part in the event “How does the organization change with AI?” organized by REDOPEN at the University of Milano-Bicocca. It was the second meeting of the AI Digital Sonar project, supported by Haier Europe and Arlati Ghislandi, during which perspectives and challenges in the stable and responsible integration of AI in the organizational, production and communication flows of Italian companies were discussed. An example of how research and business can merge to promote responsible and informed adoption of artificial intelligence.
The meeting was also the occasion for the presentation of the volume “Assessing Artificial Intelligence. An Introductory Overview of AI Standards and Impact Assessments,” the first public contribution, edited by REDOPEN Factory, whose goal is to help proactively initiate a process of widespread awareness among people, and especially among those who make decisions, use, apply, and design AI technologies.
In addition to speeches by various industry experts, entrepreneurs and innovators, there was also a talk by Enea Nepentini, Founding Partner of Consilium Comunicazione, with the report “AI in Information Management in Complex and Critical Situations,” who contributed to the discussion by recounting his own experience and the procedures implemented by the agency to improve the effectiveness of marketing and communication strategies and embrace innovation.
Crisis communication and reputational intelligence in the time of AI present new challenges and opportunities for organizations. New scenarios are opening up that impact the way workflow is managed, offering powerful tools to improve emergency management.
The path of experimentation and application of Chatgpt and Gemini in Consilium goes in the direction of integrating the tools in an intelligent, ethical and responsible way toward the maximum expression and improvement of our services.
Commenting on the ARERA directive, experts from the app-founded by Giovanni Baroni and now becoming an energy advisor to Italians-are able to say that for now the major energy operators have not introduced any early withdrawal penalties on electricity, adding that “it is not certain that it will not happen in the future.”
