In a recent update from Gartner, leading analysts underscored the pivotal role of Generative AI (GenAI) in reshaping the dynamics of human-machine interaction, urging CIOs and IT executives to redefine their strategies.
Gartner analysts Mary Mesaglio and Don ScheibenreifGenAI is seen as a cornerstone of the broader transformation in how humans and machines collaborate, shifting from machines being mere tools to becoming valuable teammates in various organizational endeavors.
Mary Mesaglio, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, emphasized, “GenAI is not merely a technology or business trend; it signifies a profound shift in the human-machine paradigm. We’re moving from what machines can do for us to what they can be for us, evolving from tools to teammates.” Gartner predicts that by 2025, GenAI will play a pivotal role as a workforce partner for 90 percent of global companies.
Don Scheibenreif, Distinguished VP Analyst at Gartner, highlighted the strategic influence of CIOs in shaping AI’s trajectory, stating, “CIOs hold a major role in shaping both AI and its impact on us. Recent Gartner surveys indicate that CEOs regard CIOs as their top choice to unlock the potential of GenAI.”
During the opening keynote of the Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, attended by over 8,000 CIOs and IT executives, Gartner analysts presented a two-pronged approach to maximize AI’s potential over the next 12-24 months: “Decide Your AI Ambition” and “Become AI-Ready.”
Decide Your AI Ambition
Gartner outlined two categories of AI:
Everyday AI: Focused on enhancing productivity and speeding up existing processes. While 77 percent of global CIOs and technology leaders are currently prioritizing everyday AI, Gartner stressed that it will soon become commonplace and won’t provide a sustainable competitive advantage. This underscores the necessity for organizations to consider a broader AI vision.
Game-changing AI: Primarily aimed at fostering creativity, introducing innovative AI-enabled products, services, and business models. Game-changing AI has the potential to disrupt industries and fundamentally alter traditional business models.
Don Scheibenreif noted, “To succeed, AI deployment needs a collaborative approach across the entire executive team.” He sees this as a significant opportunity for CIOs to play a transformative role within their organizations.
While the potential for AI is vast, Gartner’s survey in June 2023 revealed that only 9 percent of organizations have an AI vision statement, indicating a widespread lack of defined AI strategies. More than one-third of respondents expressed no intention to develop an AI vision statement.
As the trajectory of AI continues to unfold, Gartner underscores the imperative for organizations to chart a clear and strategic path, leveraging GenAI to unlock unprecedented possibilities in this evolving human-machine partnership.
