Project R-10852

Translation of strategic transformations to AI technology projects (Research)

The ability of organisations to translate a business challenge to a technological solution dictates the successful adoption of AI in Flanders. One element is key: always take the business' strategic needs and opportunities as a base to draw up a fitting and concrete AI project, while including a clear-cut business case. To make this a reality, organisations need support on multiple levels. This training course will focus on two target audiences who are both crucial in the successful adoption of AI. For each of these audiences, we're developing a designated module. These modules will be complementary to each other and transfer essential knowledge and skills to make an AI transformation happen. The first target group will be C-level managers who are in charge of deciding whether an organisation needs to take AI into account or not. The second group comprises middle management and advocates of change who will be the driving force behind AI adoption and the resulting digital transformation. One of this program's unique characteristics is that it flips the standard training trajectory upside down. The traditional approach would take specific AI technologies as a starting point and then looks at where it might fit in with the business. Typically, this way of working is marked by questions such as 'We have lots of data. Now what can we do with it? or 'What can we do with [insert any AI technology]?'. This angle often makes it difficult to construct a compelling business case and as such becomes a hindrance to AI adoption. This is why we switch it around and always start from the corporate strategy. Next we identify suitable business opportunities and needs where AI can be of added value. By guaranteeing alignment with overarching business goals, the chances of adoption and success are maximised.

01 December 2019 - 31 August 2021