PwC, in collaboration with Microsoft, has released a comprehensive research paper titled "How to Deploy AI at Scale," focusing on strategies for businesses aiming to effectively integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI (genAI) technologies into their operations. The report outlines critical steps and considerations that organisations should take into account before implementing these advanced solutions, emphasising the significance of a clear AI roadmap and strategy, as well as the integral role of cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity in embracing responsible AI practices.
The report begins by highlighting the necessity for firms to establish well-defined AI goals that underpin an overarching strategy and roadmap. According to the findings, aligning these objectives with the organisation’s current AI maturity is crucial; otherwise, companies risk failing to synchronise their business strategy with the necessary technical capabilities. This misalignment can result in a lack of robust architecture essential for advancing AI initiatives effectively.
Following the establishment of goals, PwC and Microsoft advise organisations to evaluate their cloud infrastructures, ensuring that existing cloud architectures are sufficient to meet future business needs. Previous studies by PwC indicate that a limited number of companies have successfully utilized AI and cloud technology to unlock new value from their data, underscoring a significant opportunity for businesses to enhance their capabilities through AI.
However, leveraging AI capabilities also brings forth new cybersecurity challenges. An alarming trend has emerged from PwC's 2023 Global Risk Survey, which shows that organisations now consider cyber risk the second most pressing issue they face, trailing only inflation. To combat these risks, the report recommends securing the data essential for AI operations and streamlining cyber defences. It suggests employing genAI within cybersecurity protocols to assist with threat detection, response, and intelligence gathering.
Another key emphasis of the paper is the need for businesses to keep pace with the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape surrounding AI, particularly in light of recent safety and ethics frameworks introduced by the EU. There is a noted discrepancy in confidence regarding AI readiness between different executive roles; for instance, 67% of CEOs express high confidence in their organisations’ compliance capabilities concerning AI regulations, compared to only 54% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and Chief Security Officers (CSOs).
The paper introduces the importance of operationalising responsible AI practices. It encourages organisations to establish governance frameworks that facilitate real-time monitoring of AI usage, ensuring effective oversight and prompt responses to any arising issues.
Finally, PwC's research underscores the necessity of providing more AI training for employees, coupled with opportunities for AI experimentation. By fostering an environment that promotes AI literacy among staff, businesses can enhance employee confidence in using AI tools, which in turn increases adoption rates, boosts productivity, and supports talent retention.
“In implementing AI and generative AI technologies, it is essential to evaluate how they can strengthen your competitive edge and align with your overall business strategy,” stated Anton Tseshnatii, a risk assurance lead at PwC Ukraine, in his comments on the research. “Equally vital is the continuous monitoring and adaptation of your AI systems to meet evolving business and security challenges. Ensuring widespread acceptance and successful implementation requires building trust in AI within your organization.”
The report from PwC and Microsoft serves as a strategic guide for organisations navigating the complexities of harnessing AI technology, addressing both opportunities for growth and the challenges that accompany such an undertaking.
Source: Noah Wire Services