Achieving Real Business Outcomes from Artificial Intelligence

Chapter 7. Predictions Through 2020

As we’ve seen, artificial intelligence (AI) is already producing high-impact business outcomes, and it will most certainly continue to advance rapidly. In this chapter, we take a look at some trends in the field and provide informed predictions to help enterprises prepare for the next two years and beyond. Figure 7-1 shows the five pillars of enterprise considerations for AI initiatives.

Figure 7-1. Five pillars of enterprise considerations for AI initiatives

Strategy

The future of AI will increasingly be a winner-takes-all proposition, with the first companies that are able to harness AI abilities in an effective way dominating their industry or subindustry segment and then expanding. In this landscape, the companies with the best models and the best data will take the lead and do so quickly. This can be seen currently with Amazon, which has harnessed AI’s predictive powers in retail and logistics and is now pivoting into healthcare and finance. Even though retailers like Walmart and Target will compete in an AI-first future, they are being challenged like never before.

A successful AI strategy will ensure that AI initiatives are tied to business outcomes and channel investment and energy accordingly. In telecom, for example, this might mean identifying AI projects that directly affect business outcomes, like increasing network productivity ...