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Computers and Law: Journal for the Australian and New Zealand Societies for Computers and the Law

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Green, Renee --- "Navigating the AI transformation journey" [2021] ANZCompuLawJl 10; (2021) 93 Computers & Law 37


Navigating the AI transformation journey

Renée Green

12 November 2020

Technology is dramatically changing the world that we live in, providing a tremendous opportunity for improved efficiency, growth and transformation. Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT, Robotics, Virtual and Augmented Reality and Blockchain are driving this change. AI is at the heart of this transformation – it is radically transforming our work, our society and the way we do business.

In basic terms, AI is a system that can do tasks that humans use their intelligence to do, enabling machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs and perform humanlike tasks with some degree of autonomy. AI is not just one technology – it is an umbrella term for multiple technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing and computer vision, any and all of which might be used in a business. These technologies can all support a wide range of business needs, in particular by:

• delivering business insights through the digital analysis of big data;

• automating processes: AI has the ability to undertake high-volume and repetitive tasks in a shorter time frame than a human. It can be used to optimise business operations and processes, and enhance product or service features and functions; and

• enhancing customer engagement by improving personalisation.

Implementing and/or investing in AI can impact all aspects of a business, including strategy, products and services, supply chain, routes to market, customer relations or people, and so comes with a number of risks and challenges. From a legal perspective, challenges are likely to arise in relation to data protection compliance, intellectual property, employment and potentially competition law.

There are a number of steps an organisation can take to successfully implement AI within the business, including:

• Carefully consider and scope the use case. Conduct research on other similar AI implementation projects, noting the success stories and pitfalls.

• Consider the infrastructure that will need to be built or acquired to support the AI.

• Secure buy-in from senior stakeholders – the full organisation should be committed to the project (including by way of allocating appropriate budget and resources).

• Plan to upskill staff, change the organisational structure (as appropriate) and recruit any necessary digital skillsets.

• Create a roadmap – plan a route from BAU, including implementation phases, noting the above information and any gaps identified during this process. Maintain and update this map on a regular basis to note changes in the organisation or market.

The successful adoption of an emerging technology, such as AI, can be complicated and unpredictable. However, the significant benefits that AI can bring to an organisation willing to embrace it will often outweigh these risks, giving the organisation a competitive edge in the market.


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