AI Maturity: From Exploration to Realization
In a speech at VB Transform, Debasis Dutta, SVP and head of Codecademy Enterprise Solutions at Skillsoft, shared valuable insights on the journey to AI maturity. He emphasized that regardless of where a company is on its AI journey, the important thing is to be on it. Dutta outlined four phases of AI maturity: exploration, experimentation, innovation, and realization. He stressed that success in each phase requires different elements.
During the exploration phase, companies should identify use cases, scenarios, and real-life examples where AI can be applied. Dutta highlighted the importance of understanding the challenges that AI is intended to solve and considering various AI tools, capabilities, and parameters that align with the organization’s needs.
As companies progress to the experimentation phase, they should start implementing AI tools and identify processes that need to change. Establishing general guidelines and governance models is crucial to ensure that everyone is aligned and no one goes rogue. Additionally, leaders should constantly assess whether AI is delivering the expected benefits and solving the intended use cases.
The innovation phase marks a significant turning point when AI starts to make a real difference in an organization. Ideally, AI becomes ingrained in the DNA of the company, requiring less worry and effort. However, Dutta acknowledged that each company’s timeline may vary, with some spending only a few weeks in the experimentation phase while others may take several months.
Change management is a critical element to address from the beginning. Dutta recognized the challenges associated with change management and emphasized its importance. Skillsoft has trained over 1 million learners in AI and gen AI, partnering with industry giants like Microsoft, AWS, and Cisco. Some of their partners have prioritized training their CEOs and C-suite executives as a way to lead by example.
Reskilling and upskilling throughout the organization are essential for success. Dutta highlighted the need for a holistic skilling development program that leverages a gen AI-powered platform. By tailoring the skilling journey to individual workers’ needs and goals, companies can effectively measure progress and assess the application of AI in day-to-day tasks.
Close interaction with tools and continuous practice is crucial for success. Dutta emphasized the importance of hands-on experience, stating that watching videos alone is not enough to truly believe in the effectiveness of AI.
To ensure successful adoption, companies must take a holistic top-down, end-to-end approach. Merely sending employees to a skilling program is not sufficient. It is crucial to have a clear business outcome in mind, test and measure the effectiveness of the program, and have a program management framework in place.
Internal promotion and marketing play a vital role in stakeholder management. Dutta acknowledged that there will always be naysayers and dismissive individuals when it comes to AI adoption. Understanding their concerns and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to support their journey is key.
In conclusion, companies should embrace their AI journey, regardless of their current stage. Each phase requires different elements for success, and change management, skilling, and continuous assessment are critical throughout the process. By following a tailored skilling development program and ensuring close interaction with AI tools, organizations can achieve AI maturity and drive business outcomes.