Hello, I am
Davor Orlic
I managed and delivered approximately 90 projects of various natures and scales across 60+ countries, collaborating with 300+ researchers from over 50 institutions, while also funding and organizing 40+ events.
I partnered with AI/ML research labs and universities across several EU Framework Programmes, startups and businesses like AWS Amazon, donors like William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, Google.org, funders like European Commission and Lacuna Fund, development agencies like IDRC, SIDA, GIZ, and historically marginalised AI communities like the Deep Learning Indaba.
Work
History
To be effective in the AI space, one needs to wear many hats. My multifaceted career spans R&D, program and portfolio management, technical proficiency, policy development, funding, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship in the digital and AI sector.
Chief Operating Officer
IRCAI, International Research Centre in Artificial Intelligence
I oversee all operations, strategic planning and execution. I direct all activities and project delivery across industry, government and a research network of 40 partners, including an industrial club of 300 companies. The center is part of Jožef Stefan Institute, and under the auspices of UNESCO.
Chief Operating Officer
Knowledge 4 All Foundation
I ensured that the AI portfolio, including overseeing the operational, governance and financial performance and management of the Foundation along with communities, projects, datasets, services and products, was effectively and programmatically well-managed, efficient, and aligned with the Foundation’s mission.
AI Strategist and Consultant
OptimalAI Research Ltd.
By leading initiatives in collaboration with the founders, I established comprehensive R&D roadmaps that guided our projects effectively towards the company’s business objectives.
Honorary Research Assistant
UCL Centre for Artificial Intelligence
I’m part of a great team at University College London assisting researchers in international outreach and business development through the process of transforming R&D into market-ready products.
Senior Research Manager
Jožef Stefan Institute
In various degrees of engagement, I worked on cutting-edge research initiatives. I mainly focused on using the principles of Open Education and OER resources to align closely with the needs of the AI/ML field as these serve as a valuable data source for training models.
Proud Moments and Achievements
In more than a two decades long career, I enjoy switching from small to high scale and vice versa. I know strategic thinking without operational detail is not a winning formula. I solve problems from first principles and I’m comfortable operating at 10,000 feet and 1 foot.
Funding Research and Innovation
Funding programmes that I helped manage and design, and have pushed the boundaries of technology and science, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and application of AI in critical areas.
Research and Project Management
Teams and projects I helped empower and contributed to the development of AI-driven innovation.
Digital Services and Products
A range of digital solutions and products I’ve developed or contributed to, showcasing the practical application of AI in solving real-world problems and enhancing user experiences.
Civil Society Initiatives
How I think AI can be leveraged with development projects aimed at addressing key societal challenges, promoting inclusion, and fostering equitable access to technology in low- and lower-middle income contexts.
International Policy and Collaboration
My involvement in shaping global AI policy, facilitating international dialogue, and forging partnerships to guide ethical AI development and governance.
International High Level Reports
Peruse a selection of reports I’ve commissioned or contributed to, informing global audiences on the state of AI development, policy implications, and strategic recommendations for harnessing AI responsibly and effectively.
Strategic Partnerships and Network Building
Known for my ability to forge strategic partnerships, I have successfully united diverse stakeholders, driving impactful collaborations.
Public Speaking and Communication
Involved in creating public messages and supporting executive communications.