Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way organizations analyze information, define strategies, and make decisions. But are companies truly prepared to integrate decision-making models based on data and artificial intelligence? It is with this in mind that the Portuguese Catholic University in Braga is hosting the conference “AI and Analytics in Decision Making” on May 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the Isidro Alves Auditorium.

As part of the “Católica Braga Business Talks” lecture series, held in conjunction with the launch of the new Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Management, this initiative aims to bring together different perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and impacts of Artificial Intelligence in an organizational context. 

Paulo César Dias, Vice-Rector for the Braga campus of the Portuguese Catholic University, notes that “digital transformation requires organizations that are better equipped to interpret data, but also more aware of the human, social, and ethical implications associated with Artificial Intelligence. This conference aims precisely to foster critical and multidisciplinary reflection on these challenges.”

Among the guests will be Paulo Cunha, a Member of the European Parliament with a career closely linked to regional development, innovation, and territorial competitiveness; he served as the European Parliament’s rapporteur for the Convention on Artificial Intelligence; Ricardo Vilaça, AI/Data Engineer and Scrum Master at Critical TechWorks, a leading company in the field of software engineering and digital transformation, recognized for creating innovative technological solutions in collaboration with the automotive industry and the international technology ecosystem; Vítor Moreira, head of the Smart Cities department for the Municipality of Braga, whose work focuses on the implementation of smart urban strategies, sustainability, and the digitization of public services; Emanuel Gouveia, professor at the Portuguese Catholic University in Braga, whose academic and research activities intersect with themes of innovation, technology, and knowledge development.

In a landscape marked by the growing centrality of data, process automation, and the rapid evolution of AI technologies, the conference invites reflection on issues currently facing companies, institutions, and decision-makers: What are the social and political frameworks for regulating Artificial Intelligence in Europe? How is AI transforming decision-making processes within organizations? And are companies prepared for a culture of data-driven decision-making?

This session is part of a line of inquiry that the Portuguese Catholic University in Braga has been developing regarding the challenges of digital transformation and the impact of technology on society and organizations, promoting the intersection of innovation, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility.

Admission is free, subject to space availability.