The Alexandra Institute turns 25 years old: “Our most important task is to create value in society”

Rasmus Hørving-Mulberg
August 27, 2024

Rasmus Hørving-Mulberg

@Rasmus

This post is also available in: Danish

In 1999, the Alexandra Institute was established to bring IT research closer to business. 25 years later, this is still the core mission, even though digital development has been in constant flux during the institute’s lifetime.

“Basically, our role is the same now as it was 25 years ago. We need to identify needs and increase user understanding of new technologies. Our job is to be at the forefront of the technologies, and the practical application of them is central to our work,” says CEO of the Alexandra Institute, Niels Husted Kjær, to TechSavvy.

He specifically mentions artificial intelligence as an area where the demand for guidance from businesses has exploded.

Research must go out and create value

The Alexandra Institute is one of seven approved GTS institutes in Denmark and is owned by the Aarhus University Research Foundation. Research is deeply rooted in the consultancy that the institute offers to the private sector and public institutions. The Alexandra Institute is the only GTS institute specializing in IT and digitalization. Since its establishment 25 years ago, the institute has been a key player in the development of the IT City, which connects students, research and business.

“Our research funding must contribute to something tangible that can be used in the real world. We need to focus on digitalization in long-term societal orders, so we can contribute with solutions in health and welfare. There are also important initiatives in energy and green transitions, where technological solutions play a crucial role. On a global level, cybersecurity is also one of the major areas,” says Niels Husted Kjær and continues:

“The Alexandra Institute will provide access to upskilling and competencies in digitalization. There are massive challenges facing both small and large companies, and we need many more people with the right skills to use technology correctly.”

The future is technological

Technologies such as artificial intelligence will become an integral part of more and more areas of society. It is therefore not only important to have the skills to economically exploit the technological possibilities. It’s also about building confidence and trust that the technology will be used responsibly.

“There is a very interesting accountability perspective at stake in relation to decision-making systems. As citizens, we must have a fundamental trust in the system when AI is implemented in the healthcare sector,” says Niels Husted Kjær from the Alexandra Institute.

Niels Husted Kjær believes that the Alexandra Institute is well equipped to contribute to this task and remain relevant for the next 25 years.

“We must continue to evolve and stay at the forefront of technological development. Our success is created through the success of our partners in this area. It will be important that we continue to see the big movements at the right times,” he says.