The global business expansion and investment in AI is coming for South Africa and we’d better be ready.
The advantage of the AI or ‘artificial intelligence train’, is that it’s self-driven. The person originally responsible for driving the train has most likely been fired. So, should your business hop on or not?
The Global and Local Impact of AI: Investing in Business Technologies
Globally and locally, Artificial intelligence is making serious waves.
The Brookings Institute reported various global organizations investing in AI business technologies and general AI in many sectors.
A report by Accenture claimed, “In our 2017 research, we predict that in five years, more than half of consumers and enterprise clients will select products and services based on a company’s AI, instead of that company’s traditional brand. And in seven years, most interfaces will not have a screen and will be integrated into daily tasks. These two predications alone strongly suggest that companies must act now on developing their AI journey.”
But Can South Africa keep up with this 4th Industrial Revolution?
There are many issues cited by Accenture that may slow down South Africa’s ability to keep up with this 4th industrial revolution, such as employment issues, the state of education as well as infrastructure. “Inclusive economic growth”, could assist this, as well as implementing skills at a basic education level. Recognizing the benefits of educational technology may be a start.
Ultimately, no one wants to fire the metaphorical train driver, so let us hold onto some hope that the South African government and local businesses will implement innovative policies to mitigate this issue. The problem is that either way, that AI train will still arrive, and your business really only has two options: get on board or get left behind.