Artificial intelligence is no longer a buzzword, but the driving force behind the creation of industries around the world. From biotechnology to banking, AI is accelerating innovation, creating both opportunities and challenges.
With the recent advent of the podcast, Talg founder and CEO Ismail Amin shared insights into how AI is affecting medium-sized businesses, the regulatory industry, and the legal profession.
Adopting AI in medium and small businesses
One of the clearest trends we are observing is the growing interest in AI among medium-sized companies. These are companies that can have between 25 and 100 employees. This is a type of company that has traditionally relied on personal networks, traditional marketing, and human-driven processes for growth and competition. For these companies, AI offers compelling opportunities to streamline operations, automate daily tasks, and hone their competitiveness. Many of these companies see AI as a way to bridge the gap between themselves and large companies with more resources.
However, interest in AI is by no means limited to medium-sized companies. Even small businesses are actively investigating how AI can help them achieve more, such as automating customer service, strengthening marketing campaigns, and supporting administrative workflows.
Common AI tools used today
At Talg, we have worked with clients from a wide range of industries and have seen a variety of approaches to AI adoption. Some organizations are already heavily involved in AI tools such as ChatGpt, Claude, and Microsoft Copilot. These tools are used to help draft documents, carry out research, manage administrative tasks, and even generate customer communications. In some cases, we see clients preparing legal communications with the help of AI.
But this is where attention is essential. As I advise clients, AI is a very powerful tool, but it is not a replacement for human expertise, especially in areas where accuracy, judgment, and context is important. From inaccuracy and misunderstanding to potential legal liability, the risks of work generated by unrecognized AI are real. AI can increase efficiency, but human surveillance remains essential.
The urgent need for AI policies
One of the most concerning gaps seen in the current business environment is the lack of clear and enforceable policies regarding AI use. Many companies, even those operating in sensitive or regulated areas, have yet to establish formal guidelines for AI within their organizations. Without these policies, businesses are vulnerable to serious risks, ranging from data privacy violations to regulatory penalties and reputational damage.
Every company needs a clear AI policy, no matter what size or industry. Such policies should explain which platforms are being used, how employees use AI tools, and critically, which types of data cannot be shared with the AI platform. Confidential information, client data, and trade secrets must not be entered into public AI tools without strict protection. Additionally, businesses must ensure they continue to fully comply with privacy regulations, including industry-specific.
The growing role of AI in biotechnology and manufacturing
In biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing, the impact of AI is particularly profound. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already issued guidance on AI and machine learning in drug manufacturing processes, particularly as it relates to current excellent manufacturing practices. Increasingly, AI is being deployed for product sorting to ensure production line monitoring, defect detection, and quality control. This shift not only improves efficiency, but also reduces human error in highly sensitive production environments. AI does not eliminate jobs with these settings. Rather, it allows human workers to concentrate on areas where creativity, judgment and professional skills are needed.
Transparency and compliance: Non-negotiable priorities
Transparency regarding the use of AI is essential for businesses in heavily regulated industries, including biotechnology, healthcare and financial services. Talg consistently advises clients to clearly disclose their use of AI technology in regulatory submissions and public communications. Such disclosures are not only a regulatory need, but also best practices for building trust with clients, investors and watchdogs. While companies accepting transparency stand as responsible and advanced, companies that obscure or omit the use of AI could face significant reputational risks in the future.
A strategic and responsible approach to AI
Ultimately, conversations about AI aren’t just about adopting these technologies, but rather a way to do it thoughtfully, responsible, and strategically. A successful business in an AI-driven future is one that approaches clear policies, commitment to monitoring, and both its possibilities and limitations.
We are dedicated to helping businesses navigate this evolving landscape. Whether you advise on regulatory compliance, develop AI usage policies, or assess the legal risks of emerging technologies, we are committed to ensuring that our clients can leverage the power of AI with confidence and attention.
To hear more, listen to ISMail’s IR Global: Expertise Unlocked Podcast Episode – From boardrooms to biotechnology, AI’s expanded reach.
