With the introduction of generative AI, opportunities to drive business innovation have multiplied. Companies often face challenges in adopting these new technologies. This guide offers a structured pathway to help you climb the generative AI maturity ladder.
While more than 80 per cent of companies in the Nordics believe that generative AI will have significant impact on their business in the future, its dominant current use within those organisations is simply for text creation. And only 15 per cent report having created an AI strategy, according to several surveys1.
So, there is a clearly a major gap between the opportunities businesses identify for generative AI and AI and the potential they have so far been able to exploit.
Understanding the generative AI maturity ladder
Columbus has developed a maturity ladder to gauge business AI knowledge. The ladder has five rungs, ranging from simply being aware of the potential of AI to being a leader and driving innovation.
Level 1 - Awareness: Recognition of AI potential without practical implementation
Definition: The organisation recognises AI as a potential asset but has not implemented any solutions.
Characteristics: There is basic knowledge of AI capabilities among key stakeholders. The organisation is considering the implications of AI for its business but has not begun any initiatives.
Level 2 - Experimentation: Small-scale projects or proofs of concept
Definition: The organisation is actively exploring generative AI through limited scope projects or proofs of concept.
Characteristics: Small teams or departments are tasked with testing AI technologies in proofs of concept 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
Level 3 - Operational: Application of AI in business operations, limited to specific departments
Definition: The organisation 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 organisation is seeing benefits from its use, such as efficiency gains or enhanced customer experiences. The technology is being integrated with existing systems, and there i's a focus on training and upskilling employees.
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 organisation.
Characteristics: The organisation 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 i's an emphasis on scaling successful use cases.
Level 5 - Leader: Industry leader in AI, driving innovation and setting standards
Definition: The organisation is recognised as an industry leader in leveraging generative AI, driving innovation, and setting standards.
Characteristics: AI is deeply embedded in the culture and operations. The organisation is not just using generative AI but also contributing to its advancement. There i'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 levels 2 or 3, meaning they are willing to use the technology but struggle to understand its capabilities, how to harness it and for what purposes.
If you are still in doubt about which level you are at 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 and strategic planning through to active use and governance.
AI maturity model
If you are still in doubt about which level you are at 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 and strategic planning through to active use and governance.
Helping businesses climb the AI maturity ladder
Developing an AI strategy, defining use cases and achieving implementation, demands competencies and resource which companies may not possess in-house. Therefore, we have defined four offerings, specifically relevant for our clients, tailored for Retail, Food and Beverage, Manufacturing and Life Sciences.
Training – Building the foundation: Our training programmes 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 endeavours.
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 customised touch without building from scratch, enhancing user interactions, central to our Chatbot and Custom AI offerings.
Fine-tuned models: Cater to businesses with specialised 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
