Human beings and robots working together used to be the stuff of science fiction. But the future is here and artificial intelligence (AI) – the development of software and computer systems to carry out tasks which once required human intelligence – is the buzzword on everyone’s lips.
copyright by www.cio.com.au
From driverless cars and crop harvesters to sophisticated voice recognition technology in call centres and GPS systems, AI is slated to continue upending the way human beings around the globe live, work and play.
Locally and internationally, AI is certainly set to transform the business landscape. For Australian businesses, working out how to incorporate AI into their operations – and bat off the threats posed by more nimble competitors who are ahead of the technology adoption curve – is the $64 million question.
Investing in AI – time to play catch-up?
Australian businesses are lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of AI investment, according to research released by IBM owned consultancy Bluewolf in October 2017.
Just 33 per cent of Australian businesses that are currently investing in AI expected to increase their spending on the technology over the next 12 months, according to the research. The equivalent figure globally was 77 per cent. More than four in five Australian businesses were yet to invest in AI to enhance self-service capabilities, or to make their jobs easier, the research found. Globally, the equivalent figures were 65 per cent and 59 per cent, respectively.
Bluewolf Australia managing director Aniqa Tariq told the publication that while Australia was behind on AI uptake, this was likely to change, “given that the competitive pressure of staying still is becoming more of a concern as innovative new companies, both local and global, enter the market.” Consumers are increasingly demanding ‘high quality interactions’ with companies; an imperative which will prompt investment in AI-enhanced systems that can help deliver such experiences.
The talent shortfall and what it means
Accessing the skills and expertise needed to undertake significant AI initiatives and projects may pose an ongoing challenge for Australian organisations. Research conducted in late 2016 by CEB, a high-tech research firm now owned by Gartner, indicated Australia had an AI-related talent pool of just 3370 workers, most of whom are located in Sydney.
By contrast, the US had 41,820 workers, the UK had 11,640, and Canada had 7060. “Demand is outstripping supply – this has significant implications for organisations,” CEB senior director Aaron McEwan says. Demand for AI skills increased by 50 per cent in 2016, according to CEB’s research. […]
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe to our AI NAVIGATOR!
read more – copyright by www.cio.com.au
Human beings and robots working together used to be the stuff of science fiction. But the future is here and artificial intelligence (AI) – the development of software and computer systems to carry out tasks which once required human intelligence – is the buzzword on everyone’s lips.
copyright by www.cio.com.au
Locally and internationally, AI is certainly set to transform the business landscape. For Australian businesses, working out how to incorporate AI into their operations – and bat off the threats posed by more nimble competitors who are ahead of the technology adoption curve – is the $64 million question.
Investing in AI – time to play catch-up?
Australian businesses are lagging behind the rest of the world in terms of AI investment, according to research released by IBM owned consultancy Bluewolf in October 2017.
Just 33 per cent of Australian businesses that are currently investing in AI expected to increase their spending on the technology over the next 12 months, according to the research. The equivalent figure globally was 77 per cent. More than four in five Australian businesses were yet to invest in AI to enhance self-service capabilities, or to make their jobs easier, the research found. Globally, the equivalent figures were 65 per cent and 59 per cent, respectively.
Bluewolf Australia managing director Aniqa Tariq told the publication that while Australia was behind on AI uptake, this was likely to change, “given that the competitive pressure of staying still is becoming more of a concern as innovative new companies, both local and global, enter the market.” Consumers are increasingly demanding ‘high quality interactions’ with companies; an imperative which will prompt investment in AI-enhanced systems that can help deliver such experiences.
The talent shortfall and what it means
Accessing the skills and expertise needed to undertake significant AI initiatives and projects may pose an ongoing challenge for Australian organisations. Research conducted in late 2016 by CEB, a high-tech research firm now owned by Gartner, indicated Australia had an AI-related talent pool of just 3370 workers, most of whom are located in Sydney.
By contrast, the US had 41,820 workers, the UK had 11,640, and Canada had 7060. “Demand is outstripping supply – this has significant implications for organisations,” CEB senior director Aaron McEwan says. Demand for AI skills increased by 50 per cent in 2016, according to CEB’s research. […]
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe to our AI NAVIGATOR!
read more – copyright by www.cio.com.au
Share this: