7 Ways to Ensure AI Adoption At Your Organisation
AI technology and tools are revolutionising the way organisations operate, as well as transforming how people work every single day.
The use of AI is likely to continue growing too. With a 2024 survey of government bodies by the National Audit Office finding that while AI was not yet widely used across government, a huge 70% of respondents were piloting and planning AI use cases.
For organisations planning on rolling out AI tools and tech, it is crucial to consider how they will achieve widespread adoption. To not only secure a positive return on investment, but to also ensure tools are being used effectively and to their fullest potential.
In this blog, we are going to take a closer look at ten ways you can ensure the successful adoption of AI within your organisation.
1. Assess where you are today
Before starting an AI journey, it is crucial for organisations to understand their current state. Conduct a thorough assessment into your existing processes, technologies, and ways of working. Identify areas where AI can add value and pinpoint any skills gaps that need to be addressed.
Doing this can also help leaders to understand the maturity of current digital skills and the reasons for this. Are there potential cultural blockers, technology blockers or is there a genuine skills gap? By identifying this, the organisation can understand and implement the correct strategy and a clear roadmap for AI adoption.
2. Define clear objectives
Setting clear, measurable objectives is essential for the successful implementation of AI within your organisation.
You should determine what you aim to achieve with AI before starting your journey. Whether that is improving efficiency, enhancing customer experience, or boosting productivity.
Having well-defined goals and a clear vision will guide your efforts and, importantly, help you measure the impact of AI on your organisation.
3. Involve your leadership team
Leadership support is vital for the adoption of AI. Ensure that senior executives understand the benefits of AI and are committed to its implementation. Whether your Leaders create videos, write internal comms articles, or host meetings, their involvement will signal the importance to the rest of the organisation. It also helps to create a culture of innovation, and an openness and willingness to explore new technologies.
4. Provide training and learning opportunities
AI adoption and use requires new skills and knowledge, especially for people who may not have used similar tools before. However, according to research from Microsoft, just 39% of people who use AI at work have received any formal training.
Ultimately, this will result in people not using tools correctly. If they don’t understand how to use something, they won’t. Leading to potentially losing confidence in it and never using it again.
Invest in training programmes to upskill your workforce and equip them with the necessary knowledge they need to use AI correctly. Whether you offer workshops, webinars, or hands-on training sessions, you should ensure that employees are comfortable with AI technologies and can leverage them effectively.
5. Break down your AI journey into chunks
Breaking down your AI journey into smaller, more manageable chunks can be a good way to boost adoption. Start with pilot projects that demonstrate quick wins and then gradually expand your AI initiatives. It allows people and teams to adapt and learn at a comfortable pace, reducing the risk of overwhelming anyone.
By tackling one aspect or business unit at a time, you can refine processes, address challenges, and celebrate incremental successes.
6. Provide additional support
When rolling out any new system, tool, or technology, it’s crucial to have dedicated to support available to people who might need it. This may be through coaches or a network of AI Champions, who can not only be advocates for the new technology, but can provide advice and troubleshooting for colleagues who may need it.
By boosting confidence in this way, you are far more likely to see widespread adoption.
7. Monitor progress and evaluate regularly
Regularly monitor and evaluate the progress of your AI journey, using KPIs to measure the impact. Doing this will not only help to keep your project on track, but will help you to identify areas for improvement and refine your strategy. You may spot gaps or barriers that are getting in the way of adoption. Or highlight areas that need additional skills investment.
Ensuring AI adoption – Final thoughts
AI offers a fantastic opportunity for UK organisations, but to fully reap the benefits, it needs to be adopted properly. The journey begins with assessing where you are today, understanding your current capabilities, and identifying areas where AI can really add value.
Providing extra support, such as appointing digital champions, can significantly boost adoption and ensure projects stay on track. Crucially, don't forget the importance of training and upskilling your workforce. Equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge will empower them to leverage AI effectively and drive innovation.
Successful AI adoption requires a strategic approach, leadership support, and a commitment to training and development. Embrace the transformative power of AI, and your organisation will unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation. The future is bright for those who are prepared to adapt and evolve with AI.
techUK - Seizing the AI Opportunity
techUK supports the UK's AI revolution, empowering both public and private sectors to fully embrace the transformative potential of AI.
We bring together the vendor and buyer communities, showcasing the benefits of private sector AI adoption and the opportunities of AI-powered public services. Our aim is to unleash the vast potential of AI to create opportunities for businesses and society, so everyone can reap the benefits of this technological opportunity..
Get involved: techUK runs a busy calendar of activities including events, reports, and insights to demonstrate some of the most significant AI opportunities for the UK. Our AI Hub is where you will find details of all upcoming activity. We also send a monthly AI newsletter which you can subscribe to here.
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Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
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