AI Adoption: Why Every Business Must Start Now
The AI Revolution is Here
The past few weeks have been transformative in the AI landscape. OpenAI released their GPT-4o, and Google launched Gemini 1.5. The rapid advancements are astonishing, with frequent updates and improvements. Trying to keep up with all the changes is impossible. Even if you are using AI to summarize the news its impossible to keep up. However, this article isn’t about tracking these technical changes. Instead, it’s about a broader and more pressing need: for society to understand and engage with AI.
Diverse Perspectives on AI
In my work across various sectors, from small business development at the University of California Riverside to private company advisory boards, or my participation in NIH national iCorps program, I’ve encountered vastly different perspectives on AI. Each constituency views AI through a unique lens, reflecting their specific needs and concerns.
For example, company board members often prioritize data privacy and security, wary of AI leaking sensitive information. Pharmaceutical companies, having experienced data breaches, are investing in private AI models, yet these isolated efforts may not keep pace with the broader AI innovations. After all they are trying to build a solution for a customer of one. No startup could ever get an investor to invest if the product could only used by customer. On the other hand, solopreneurs and small business owners, though enthusiastic, often lack the resources and time to fully engage with AI technology. They are accustomed to past buzz words, like big data, the cloud, crypto or Web3 and (wrongly think) we have lots of time to figure this AI stuff out.
The Disconnect and Its Implications
This disconnect is troubling. Small and mid-sized businesses, the backbone of the American economy, are lagging in AI adoption. Meanwhile, larger companies and global competitors are moving forward rapidly. This imbalance could widen economic and technological gaps, leaving smaller entities at a disadvantage.
The Global AI Race
We are amidst a phase of de-globalization, with nations like China, India, Europe, and the United States racing to develop superior AI capabilities. This competition raises important questions about open versus closed-source models and the implications for global collaboration and competition.
Bridging the Gap
My journey with AI has taught me that no one is truly an expert in this nascent field. Even leaders like Sam Altman of OpenAI admit the uncertainty of AI’s future impact, from universal basic income to economic abundance. What’s crucial is our willingness to ask questions, explore possibilities, and engage in meaningful conversations about AI’s role in our lives.
Call to Action
It’s time for small and mid-sized businesses to step up and engage with AI. This technology isn’t just for tech giants. Start with simple applications like email summarization or extracting key points from long documents. The goal is to familiarize yourself with AI, understand its potential, and consider its implications for your business, family, and community.
Conclusion
AI is reshaping our world, and its influence will only grow. To ensure that AI benefits everyone, we must all engage with and understand AI. It’s not just about keeping up with technology; it’s about shaping the future for ourselves and future generations. You don’t need to be an expert to get started—small steps can make a big difference. By engaging with AI, we can lead by example, guiding our employees and children towards a future where we all thrive together. Let’s not leave anyone behind; instead, let’s embrace this journey and make it our collective responsibility.