How would you describe Qlik's operations to a general audience unfamiliar with the company?
Qlik is a leading provider of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, catering to both large corporations and organizations in the public sector, such as governments and the United Nations. Our services cover the entire data lifecycle, from data integration, quality, and governance to analytics, AI, and automation. Founded in Sweden over 30 years ago, Qlik maintains a global focus with a strong sense of responsibility toward using technology to contribute positively to the world.
How does Qlik’s platform help organizations use data to improve their sustainability efforts?
At Qlik, we believe that "where there’s data, there’s power." We help organizations, whether corporations or non-profits, harness data to improve their operations. Our platform allows companies to collect and analyze data from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy, quality, and relevance. This can range from measuring a company’s carbon footprint to making actionable recommendations, such as optimizing flight bookings to reduce emissions or managing power consumption. More advanced analytics can help companies make a broader impact by identifying opportunities to contribute to society, focusing resources where they can make the most difference.
How does Qlik leverage AI to enhance the use of data, particularly in sustainability efforts?
AI has become much more accessible due to advancements in cloud computing and the democratization of technology. What used to be the domain of specialized data scientists is now available to a wider range of users, and we help organizations take full advantage of AI. One critical element we focus on is ensuring that the data fed into AI models is accurate—garbage in, garbage out. Qlik’s platform includes data governance tools, such as trust scores, to verify data before it’s used in AI-driven analysis.
AI is particularly valuable in sustainability because it can identify patterns in large, diverse datasets from different sources. These insights can inform decision-making, predictive models, and strategies to tackle complex global issues like climate change. It allows organizations to normalize and interpret vast amounts of data, which can then be used to make informed, impactful decisions about sustainability initiatives.
What advancements in AI and data sharing do you believe will drive progress in sustainability?
Two major areas hold exciting potential for progress. First, we need greater willingness from corporations, governments, and countries to share transparent and accurate data. More data isn’t always better, but better data shared openly can help the global effort against climate change. The second area of progress is in the development of recommendation engines. As we improve AI models and gather better insights, the next step is building systems that can automate recommendations and actions—essentially helping organizations move from data analysis to real-world impact.
Could you share examples of how Qlik has contributed to sustainability through specific projects or collaborations?
One of my favorite examples is our work with C40 Cities, which is now a network of over 100 cities focused on climate action. These cities share data and best practices using Qlik’s platform, allowing them to collaborate on innovative solutions like carbon-absorbing concrete or rooftop gardens to reduce CO2 emissions. This grassroots initiative is a prime example of how data can drive collective progress.
We also partner with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), supporting their decision-making with real-time data analytics. At the COP26 conference in Scotland, Qlik tracked commitments from countries regarding climate actions and played a pivotal role in presenting this data to the larger audience, helping inform global discussions.
What differentiates Qlik from other providers of data integration, analytics, and AI solutions in the sustainability space?
Qlik’s technology is unique because it’s built on an in-memory graph database, rather than traditional SQL-based databases. This allows us to see patterns in data that others can’t. With vast amounts of disparate data coming from different sources, such as the UN, Qlik helps organizations make sense of this data and find actionable insights. We’re able to provide the level of data governance and quality control that’s essential for trustworthy results, which is why organizations like the UN rely on us for critical projects—from climate change initiatives to combating human trafficking.
How is Qlik expanding its capabilities to meet the growing demand for sustainability solutions?
We’ve been expanding both the breadth and depth of our platform to handle the increasingly complex challenges companies face. Fifteen years ago, Qlik was primarily a business intelligence (BI) company, focused on dashboards. Today, we offer an end-to-end data platform capable of handling massive datasets in real-time, leveraging advanced tools like natural language processing, auto machine learning, and AI.
In addition to serving large corporations, we’re committed to giving back. We provide our software free of charge to NGOs and non-profits, helping organizations without access to cutting-edge technology make a bigger impact. Our employees also volunteer their time to support sustainability projects, such as helping communities in Malawi access clean water. We lead by example in our commitment to sustainability, both through our technology and our actions.
Is data the key to achieving greater efficiency in the fight against climate change?
Absolutely. Data is critical for making informed decisions around climate change, which, as you mentioned, is the most expensive treaty in human history.
Companies are often forced to choose between profitability and sustainability, but with the right data, they can strike a balance and achieve both. Real-time data allows organizations to adjust strategies as needed, avoid unintended consequences, and make smarter investments in sustainability initiatives.
For example, many companies have faced challenges with the economic feasibility of wind farms, as seen with recent withdrawals from projects off the coast of New Jersey. A better data strategy upfront could have anticipated some of the supply chain disruptions and economic implications, potentially preventing these issues. Making data-driven decisions from the start is crucial for long-term success in sustainability efforts.
Can you highlight a trend in sustainability that you feel needs more focus, and one where you see positive progress?
One area that I think needs more attention is electric vehicles (EVs). While they’re often seen as a solution to environmental issues, we need to do more work to understand their full impact, particularly the environmental costs of electricity generation and battery production. People often assume buying an EV is inherently better for the planet, but we need a more nuanced understanding of the trade-offs involved.
On the positive side, I’m excited about the progress in carbon capture technology. Although it’s still early days, some promising data shows that companies investing in carbon capture and using more climate-friendly materials are on the right track. As this technology develops, it has the potential to make a significant impact on reducing atmospheric carbon levels.
