Where Does Your Organization Stand on the AI Maturity Scale?

AI is booming across many industries and it is no longer a futuristic technology. If your organization hasn't begun exploring AI's potential, you're part of a shrinking minority. According to the latest global McKinsey survey, 65% of respondents say their organizations are regularly using Generative AI in at least one business function.

But where does your organization stand in this transformative journey? The path to AI maturity is across 4 distinctive levels: Infancy, Developing, Growth, and Optimized. In this article, you understand on which stage you are standing. Understanding these stages is crucial to assessing your current position and unlocking the next steps for progress.

Level 1: Infancy

Organizations at this stage are just beginning their AI journey. There is no formal strategy or governance, and AI efforts are limited to experimental initiatives to test feasibility.

• There is no formal strategy or governance for AI projects.
• There is limited awareness and understanding of AI capabilities.
• There is minimal investment in AI infrastructure or tools.
• The organization relies on external vendors for AI expertise.
• Small AI initiatives and proof of concept are started to access feasibility.

Level 2: Developing

In the Developing stage, AI efforts start gaining structure. A centralized AI team begins to support business initiatives, but resources remain constrained. Employees are introduced to AI concepts and tools, building foundational skills across the organization.

• A centralized AI team supports the business’s initiatives, though resources are limited.
• The organization starts to train employees on AI concepts and tools to build fundamental skills.
• Initial projects are transitioning from ad-hoc experiments to more predictable and scalable implementations.
• Initial frameworks and governance models are being established.

Level 3: Growth 

Organizations in the Growth stage have a well-defined AI strategy and governance model. AI is integrated into core business processes.

• AI strategy and governance are clearly defined and documented.
• Metrics and KPIs are defined to measure the success of AI initiatives.
• AI is integrated into business processes and decision-making in areas such as customer service-related.
• The business has a strong understanding of AI's value and can align AI project goals with business goals.

Level 4: Optimized

At the Optimized stage, AI is embedded into the organization's DNA. It drives significant value by reducing costs, generating revenue, and offering a competitive advantage.

• AI models are continuously monitored to ensure accuracy and relevance.
• AI is a core component of the organization's strategy and operations and contributes significantly to cost reduction or extra revenue.
• Governance ensures compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.
• There is a feedback loop to have a continuous model improvement.
• The organization leverages advanced AI such as generative AI to automate operations.

To help you understand where your organization stands in its AI journey, I've created a simple AI Maturity Assessment quiz. You can find it here - give it a try! At the end, you'll receive tailored suggestions on how to improve and advance to the next level.

Disclamiar: I have used chatGPT as an assistant to create the content 😉