Anchoring success: the six pillars for smooth AI adoption

Over the past decade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a niche research field to a powerful force transforming industries globally. A recent study by Sopra Steria Next, predicts that the global AI market will reach $1.27 trillion by 2028.

With this rapid growth, businesses are no longer asking whether to adopt AI, but instead how they can leverage it effectively. Understanding AI’s current state and potential applications is essential for organisations to adopt it safely and iteratively deliver value-led use cases.

Understanding the current state of AI

AI encompasses various technologies, with a popular focus today on Generative AI - AI systems that create new content, like text, images, and music. Large Language Models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to generate human-like text in response to prompts. These models fall under Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI), excelling at specific tasks but lacking human-like critical thinking. 

No AI system that exists today has surpassed ANI. However, breakthroughs are ongoing and true Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is a milestone target for research institutes, big tech players, and governments. As AI advances, organisations should optimise current technologies like Machine Learning (ML), NLP, and Deep Learning.

The path forward may seem complex, but with the right strategies, organisations can unlock AI’s potential, enhance efficiency, remain competitive, and deliver real value.

The six pillars of readiness when preparing for AI

How do organisations prepare themselves for the future of AI? At Sopra Steria Next, our AI Readiness Assessment evaluates an organisation's preparedness across six critical pillars: Strategy, Governance & Ethics, Infrastructure, Data, Expertise, and Culture.

Strategy: setting the vision

Organisations must develop a clear strategy that aligns with business goals. This includes engaging employees, ensuring transparency and fairness, and defining measurable AI objectives. A co-designed vision, roadmap for adoption, and risk mitigation plans, are all essential to maximise AI’s value.

Governance and ethics: ensuring responsible AI

With AI’s power comes the responsibility for ethical use. Organisations must establish governance frameworks addressing bias, fairness, and compliance. The new UK Government has said it will introduce AI regulation in the UK, and many expect it to take inspiration from the EU AI Act, which became effective from September this year. Ensuring AI is ethical-by-design, fosters trust and meets legal requirements.

Infrastructure: building the foundation

A solid technological foundation is essential for successful AI adoption, including cloud resources, data storage, and high-performance computing. This infrastructure must scale efficiently and align with existing systems, ensuring robust security while managing environmental impact.

Data: fuelling AI with quality data

Data is the lifeblood of AI, requiring cleanliness, management, trust, and minimal bias. Organisations must prioritise quality and governance frameworks to ensure data integrity. Consolidating diverse sources improves accuracy, enhancing self-service analytics and decision-making for better AI outcomes. 

Expertise: cultivating the right talent

Organisations must invest in a skilled and diverse workforce, nurturing existing talent through training and upskilling, while hiring people with specialised AI skills. A workforce that can better identify use cases, safely implement them, and advocate for AI adoption, is essential.

Culture: fostering an AI-ready mindset

To gain employees' support, leaders must promote transparency, share intentions, and highlight AI successes. Creating a secure environment which encourages experimentation and knowledge sharing, fosters innovation and accelerates AI maturity.

Building a future ready organisation

As organisations strive to win the coveted crown of developing the first truly Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), those around them must proactively prepare to leverage its transformative potential.

As AI continues to revolutionise industries, organisations must proactively prepare to leverage its transformative potential. By focusing on the six pillars, organisations can build a solid foundation for successful AI adoption, driving efficiencies, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Reach out to find out more about our AI Readiness Assessment and evaluate whether your organisation is ready for AI.