Andrew Ng is touting his new, free, AI Transformation Playbook. The 12 page online document is a unique package of artificial intelligence tricks aimed at the increasing number of CEOs who want to transform their companies by introducing AI technologies. The AI mastermind and founder of Landing.ai released the playbook today.
Ng’s playbook is built on his experience pioneering AI efforts at industry leaders Google and Baidu, and offers step-by-step instructions and recommendations tailored for enterprises with market caps over US$500 million.
Ng organizes an effective AI transformation into five steps:
Execute pilot projects to gain momentum. Ng recommends companies initiate their AI efforts by rolling up their sleeves and identifying a few technically feasible projects with clearly defined and measurable objectives. Collaboration between an internal team with high domain knowledge and an external team with sufficient AI expertise is highly recommended.
Build an in-house AI team. Next, companies should consider hiring an internal team of AI talents led by C-level executives. This team is responsible for gaining AI capabilities, supporting different divisions with AI solutions, developing recruiting and retention standards, and building a platform.
Provide broad AI training. Employees should be encouraged to receive an AI education via a combination of in-person consulting and digital courses on AI and machine learning. Ng even suggests minimum training periods for different levels: at least 4-hours of training for executives and senior business leaders; 12-hours of training for leaders of divisions carrying out AI projects; and 100 hours for newly trained AI engineers.
Develop an AI strategy. After achieving progress on the first three steps, companies should then consider an AI-centered strategy to identify where AI can create value. Recommended approaches include building AI assets, creating an AI-enabled advantage specific to an industry sector, following the so-called “Virtuous Circle of AI” shown below, and strengthening traditional moats.
Develop internal and external communications. Companies should maintain good relationships with investors and governments, invest in appropriate marketing, attract and retain talents, and promote insightful internal explanations of AI to relieve employee job replacement concerns.
Last month Ng introduced AI for Everyone, a beginner-level course designed to help non-technical business professionals such as CEOs, product managers, marketers, designers and financiers better understand AI and what they can do with it. The playbook continues in this vein, as a succinct primer for CEOs and business leaders who would like to begin transforming their businesses with AI, but don’t know where to start or how long the process should take.
Ng believes that companies following his instructions with a consistent execution should expect to see early progress within six months to one year, and transformative results in two to three years.
Click this link to download the digital copy.