Geoffrey Hinton, Nobel Prize Winner in Physics and one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people of 2023, will deliver a keynote at the ABSL Summit 2026: Know the Unknown. The event will be held June 17–19 in Wrocław. His address will focus on the challenges of developing superintelligence and its impact on the economy and society.
For half a century, Geoffrey Hinton has shaped the foundations of modern technology. His pioneering work on neural networks and deep learning enabled systems that drive global innovation, from image recognition to advanced language models. In 2024, he received the Nobel Prize for discoveries that made machine learning possible, confirming his status as one of the most influential scientists today.
Cybersecurity as a shared responsibility
Hinton’s perspective prompts reflection on the pace of change, which he calls “holding a tiger by the tail.” In his keynote in Wrocław, he will focus on building a secure technological environment where AI supports human autonomy. Hinton believes AI can be a force for positive change, provided security standards are a top priority. Emphasizing the importance of a substantive approach to protecting the digital environment, Geoffrey Hinton states: “We have all become more aware of the threats, but knowledge alone is not enough. It is high time for states and organizations to act unanimously in creating common security protocols. When it comes to preventing uncontrolled takeover by AI systems or their use for cyberattacks, the interests of all humanity are fully aligned.”
AI development as a pillar of business transformation
Business services today are a strategic engine of transformation in Europe, crucial for growth in a complex and unpredictable environment. They generate €3.5 trillion in value within EU-27, accounting for 20.4% of its GDP. Europe leads in knowledge-intensive business services exports (52.6% globally), and the industry itself generates 22.6% of the EU’s added value. The business services sector in Poland is transforming toward Generative Business Services (GenBS). Artificial intelligence enables skilled professionals to reach their potential, and AI’s role is evolving from a tool to a co-creator of business solutions. Talent remains one of Poland’s key competitive advantages in global business services, and developing technological skills is crucial to the sector’s future. In Poland, knowledge-intensive services account for 58.6% of all services delivered in centers, and according to ABSL analysis, 85% of companies see generative AI as a strategic opportunity. This shows that the Polish sector not only participates in the global AI discussion but also actively shapes its practical business applications, including cybersecurity and responsible automation. Inviting Professor Geoffrey Hinton as a keynote speaker signals that this sector, built on technological competencies, is an active participant in the global debate on processes accelerated by AI implementation.
Jacek Levernes, Honorary President of ABSL Poland, says: “With strong technological capabilities and a record of large-scale innovation, our sector is well-positioned to contribute to the global conversation on the safe and effective use of artificial intelligence. Professor Hinton’s keynote will help deepen understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with AI, supporting a more informed approach to its adoption and contributing to the long-term competitiveness of our companies and Poland’s position as one of the global leaders in business services.”
“Know the Unknown” – strategy in times of uncertainty
The theme of ABSL Summit 2026, Know the Unknown, highlights the importance of a key competency: leading in an unpredictable reality. While previous ABSL Summit keynote speakers, including Bill Clinton, Mario Draghi, Jacinda Ardern, and Garry Kasparov, emphasized competitiveness and growth amid geopolitical challenges, Professor Hinton’s presence shifts the discussion to technology and addressing the uncertainty amplified by artificial intelligence.
ABSL Summit is one of the most important events for the business services sector in Europe. Each year, it hosts over 1,500 business leaders from major companies, public-sector representatives, economists, and experts analyzing global trends and their impact on economic and social development.
About Geoffrey Hinton
Geoffrey Hinton is a Nobel Prize laureate in Physics in 2024, creator of the foundations of deep learning, former professor at the University of Toronto, former Vice President and Engineer at Google Brain, and former Chief Scientific Advisor at the Vector Institute. He is recognized as one of the three “Godfathers of AI,” alongside Yoshua Bengio and Yann LeCun. His work on neural networks revolutionized how computers recognize images, process language, and learn from data. Hinton is also known for his courage in addressing ethical and social issues related to AI development, including threats to the labor market and human autonomy. His voice in the public debate is not only scientifically grounded but also deeply humanistic.
