Smart Machines and Systems at the Service of Mankind: Presentations of Scientific Papers

The scientific session was opened by Ihor Vakulenko from Slovak Academy of Science who introduced the research he has been doing for his research paper titled “The Smart Energy Transition: Analyzing Renewable Capacity Growth Factors Across EU Member States”. The research aim was to analyse key factors influencing renewable energy capacity across the EU states, with special focus on the role of smart grids and the impact of energy resource prices. The data was collected from reliable sources like Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. The econometric model used for the research was tested several times, to offer clearer and more reliable results regarding the three variables analysed. Amongst other results, the research also showed that CO2 emissions and energy consumption decrease the share of alternative energy, while a higher Human Development Index (HDI) increases it. The predicted values plot also displayed a positive correlation between HDI and alternative energy.

The second scientific paper called “Prediction of process resource requirements using artificial intelligence” was introduced by Rakell Pärnamäe. The aim of the research was to use the help of AI to conduct a data-driven decision to find out the resource requirements for different live events. Suggestions made by the AI-based model should be able to improve the cost-effectiveness for the event organisers and lessen the possibility of long waiting lines. This model would allow even newly hired employees to get access to info and experiences from events that might have taken place years ago - and thus make a calculated decision in preparing for a new large-scale event. The predictions made by the model were compared to predictions made by experienced professionals from the three Baltic states. Several professionals agreed to the value and usefulness of this model.

The third paper “Inclusive Growth: The Role of Innovation and Economic Stability” was introduced by Liudmyla Saher from Slovak Academy of Sciences. The research was conducted to argue for the necessity of an inclusive growth concept. The speaker mentioned several key points, including the fact that economic growth cannot stop the increase of income inequality or achieve sustainable development by itself. After conducting literature analysis, the researchers identified four main directions with which they proposed to relate inclusive growth: economic inequality, unemployment, poverty, and access to financial, educational, and medical services. Three of them were included in the final research. The results suggested that indicators such as tertiary school enrolment, household consumption, and unemployment rate are most important for ensuring inclusive growth in 27 EU countries.

The fourth paper during this session, “A methodological framework for redesigning business processes with large language models” was introduced by Tarmo Koppel from

TalTech. The research was conducted since the revolution of AI and large language models is opening new technological capabilities, like reasoning. The speaker explained that business processes consist of interconnected phases that are logically dependent on each other. The research indicated how these processes could be redesigned or improved by integrating large language models. LLMs could help in each phase. For example, with automating surveys and running simulations in the design and analysis phase or identifying inefficiencies during evaluation phase. The research also showed that even though AI could help with several points, there are still tasks that cannot be automated, since they either require human authorisation, physical handling of products, or the use of specialised software that is beyond the capability of an LLM. You can find full discussion on our conference homepage.