Climbing the generative AI maturity ladder. Where are you

With the introduction of generative AI, the opportunities to drive business innovation has multiplied. Businesses often face challenges in adopting these new technologies. Here is a guide offering a structured pathway to climb the Generative AI maturity ladder.

While more than 80 per cent the companies in the Nordics believe that generative AI will have great impact on their business in the future, the dominant use is text creation used by 30-34 per cent. And only 15 per cent reported that they have created an AI strategy, according to several surveys1. So, there is a gap in the businesses between seeing the opportunities with generative AI and AI and what they actually do.

Understanding the generative AI maturity ladder

Columbus developed a maturity ladder to gauge business AI knowledge. The ladder has five levels ranging from just being aware of the potential of AI to being a leader driving innovation:

Level 1 Awareness:
Recognition of AI potential without practical implementation

Definition:The organization recognizes AI as a potential asset but has not implemented any solutions.

Characteristics:There is basic knowledge of AI capabilities among key stakeholders. The organization is considering the implications of AI for their business but has not started any initiatives

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Level 2 - Experimentation:
Small-scale projects or proofs of concept

Definition: The organization is actively exploring generative AI through limited scope projects or proof of concepts.

Characteristics: Small teams or departments are tasked with testing AI technologies in proof of concepts or MVPs. These teams are learning about the tools and identifying potential use cases. Results are typically inconsistent due to the experimental nature of this stage

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Level 3 - Operational:
Application of AI in business operations, limited to specific departments

Definition: The organization has moved beyond experimentation to apply AI in its business operations, though it may be limited to certain functions or departments.

Characteristics: There are defined processes and best practices for using AI. The organization is seeing benefits from its use, such as efficiency gains or enhanced customer experiences. The technology is being integrated with existing systems, and there's a focus on training and upskilling employees.

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Level 4 - Strategic:
Integration of AI into core business strategy

Definition: AI is part of the core business strategy, with implementation across multiple areas of the organization.

Characteristics: The organization has a roadmap for AI deployment. There is a clear governance structure, and investments are made in advanced technologies and talent. Metrics are in place to measure the impact of AI, and there's an emphasis on scaling successful use cases.

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Level 5 - Leader:
Industry leader in AI, driving innovation and setting standards

Definition: The organization is recognized as an industry leader in leveraging generative AI, driving innovation, and setting standards.

Characteristics: AI is deeply embedded in the culture and operations. The organization is not just using generative AI but also contributing to its advancement. There's a dedicated team or department focused on continuous improvement, research, and development in AI. The company influences the market, possibly through thought leadership, patents, or setting industry benchmarks.

Most of our clients are on level 2 or 3, meaning they are willing to use the technology but struggle to understand its capabilities, how to harness it and for what. If you are still in doubt on which level you are or want a more detailed evaluation, we have developed 10 criteria at each of the 5 levels to help you. The criteria range from executive engagement, strategic planning, and through active use, AI platform and governance.

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Where on the ladder is your organization? Compare with the criteria above.

Helping Businesses climb the AI Maturity ladder

Developing an AI strategy, defining use cases or even getting the job done, demand several competencies that may be difficult to have in-house. It may even be difficult to execute because of the internal workload. Therefore, we have defined four offerings specifically relevant for our clients, tailored for Retail, Food & Beverage, Manufacturing and Life Sciences.

Training - Building the Foundation: Our training programs are the first step for businesses at Awareness or Experimentation levels. We provide foundational knowledge to assess generative AI's potential impact, setting the path to higher AI maturity.

Custom Chatbot - Enhancing Customer Engagement: For companies moving from Experimentation to Operational, our Custom Chatbot solutions improve customer interactions and collect valuable data for future AI endeavors.

Custom AI - Tailored Solutions for Complex Needs: As businesses progress to the Operational level, the need for bespoke AI solutions becomes more pronounced. Our Custom AI offering addresses complex business challenges with precision, ensuring your AI solutions are advanced and uniquely suited to your needs.

Responsible AI - The Ethical Compass: Ethical AI practices are essential for companies at all levels. Our Responsible AI offering ensures your business scales its AI capabilities with fairness, accountability, and transparency.

Technology - From Basic to Advanced: Columbus uses a three-tiered approach to deliver AI solutions:

Off-the-Shelf Models: Quick to deploy, cost-effective, and suitable for lower maturity levels, used in our Training offerings.

RAG (Retrieve and Generate): Provides a customized touch without building from scratch, enhancing user interactions, central to our Chatbot and Custom AI offerings.

Fine-Tuned Models: Cater to businesses with specialized AI needs, used in our Custom AI offering.

Global Expertise: A Diverse and Inclusive Approach

Our team of experts from various continents brings unique perspectives and skills, ensuring we deliver solutions at the forefront of generative AI innovation.

Columbus is committed to guiding your business up the generative AI maturity ladder. The journey starts with interviews to discuss the current maturity, vision and goals and an AI Innovation workshop to explore technology and use cases together.

For more information, contact Anders Leander.

Sources: Er nordiska organisasjoner klar til AI, a survey from ADD, Finansforbundet, Digital Dogme, Microsoft, DI Digital, HK, Netcompany, EY and LinkedIn and a BCG survey: Denmark's GenAI Paradox: from Lagging to Leading

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