One-size-fits-all AI training is not enough to unlock the potential of artificial intelligence. Several roles have different requirements to ensure that the gears in your company mesh.

Regular training not only increases the skills of your employees, but also promotes the innovative strength of your company. Well-trained teams are able to develop and scale AI solutions more efficiently.

Offer courses that range from the basics of data science to advanced topics in AI. Such training programs can be conducted internally or in collaboration with external experts.

In order to successfully implement data-driven decisions with the help of AI in your company, it is essential that your employees develop the necessary AI skills. Training employees in the use of generative AI is therefore a key area of action that companies are faced with.

The first step is to determine which AI skills are required in your company. This includes an understanding of data analysis, machine learning and the development of algorithms.

Ongoing training is key to developing these skills. Invest in training and partnerships with educational institutions to ensure a constant flow of learning.

The following aspects are important for AI training:

1. Needs analysis:
   • Identify target groups and required skills.
2. Breadth and depth of content:
   • Courses for beginners and advanced learners.
   • Practically relevant content.
3. Learning methods:
   • Interactive training and simulations.
   • Combination of online and classroom training.
4. Continuous further training:
   • Regular refresher courses.
   • Promotion of lifelong learning.
5. Qualified trainers:
   • Professional expertise and didactic skills.
6. Infrastructure and tools:
   • Technical equipment and relevant data sets.
7. Assessment and feedback:
   • Learning progress monitoring and feedback utilization.
8. Integration into the corporate strategy:
   • Alignment with corporate goals.
   • Support for specific projects.
9. Collaboration and exchange:
   • Promoting exchange and collaboration.
   • Use of internal communication platforms.

We have established Learner Paths to promote AI skills in your company. In our video, we explain how our Learner Paths close your AI skills gap:

In addition to empowering employees the organization is an important factor in the AI strategy. This factor includes two fields of action: structure and governance.

AI Organizational structure

Establishing an effective organizational structure for AI is crucial in order to take full advantage of this technology. A key challenge is the balance between centralized coordination and decentralized responsibility. Centralized units, such as an AI Center of Excellence (CoE), consolidate expertise and resources to manage the most strategic projects and ensure consistent implementation. At the same time, decentralized units must have sufficient autonomy to respond quickly to specific business requirements and customer needs. This promotes innovation and agility at a local level. A hybrid model known as “hub and spoke” combines these approaches by maintaining a centralized AI expertise with strong links to decentralized units that take care of the specific applications of AI.

AI Governance

Governance of AI initiatives is critical and requires strong leadership and full C-level engagement that understands both technological and strategic aspects of AI. A clear governance structure helps to effectively monitor and manage AI projects to align them with business objectives and the digital transformation agenda. Regular reviews by senior management ensure that AI initiatives are an integral part of the overall strategy and promote the transition from proof of concept to productive solutions through clear responsibilities and processes.

Learn more about building an optimal AI organization in our whitepaper “Building the organization for scaling AI”

An AI center of excellence (CoE) serves as a knowledge hub for your company and supports the introduction and economic use of artificial intelligence. Since the introduction of artificial intelligence in companies can be associated with high costs and risks, AI competence centers are therefore a sensible component of an AI strategy. There is the option of establishing in-house AI competence centers as well as using public AI competence centers, such as the “KI Transfer Plus Bayern” program from the Bavarian State Ministry for Digital Affairs.

Advantages of an AI competence center (CoEs)

• Promotion of expertise: A CoE catalyzes the development of expertise in all areas of artificial intelligence. Centralized expertise enables innovative solutions to be developed and implemented more quickly.
• Improved collaboration: The center facilitates communication and collaboration between different departments. It supports the standardized application of AI technologies across the company, leading to more consistent and effective solutions.
• Faster scaling of AI projects: With a dedicated team specializing in AI, projects can be scaled faster and extended to new business areas. This enables companies to respond to market changes with agility.
• Promoting innovation: A CoE can serve as an incubator for new ideas and thus strengthen the company's innovative power. It enables experimentation with new technologies and approaches in a controlled environment.

Risks and hurdles in setting up an AI competence center

• High initial investment: Setting up a CoE requires considerable financial and human resources. The costs for technology, training and the recruitment of specialist staff can be considerable.
• Resistance to change: In many companies, the introduction of a CoE can be met with internal resistance, especially if employees fear that AI could lead to job losses.
• Complexity of the technology: Implementing AI systems is technically challenging. Without the right expertise, it can be difficult to develop and maintain effective solutions.
• Data security and ethical concerns: With the increasing use of AI, companies need to ensure that they comply with data protection and ethical standards. The risk of data leaks or misuse of AI can damage a company's image.

How we can support you in setting up an AI competence center

AppliedAI can be instrumental in overcoming the above hurdles and maximizing the benefits of an AI center of excellence. Here are some ways the consultancy can support:

• Expertise and experience: We bring specialized knowledge and experience from a wide range of industries and projects. This allows us to bring in best practices that increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the AI competence center.
• Training and development: We offer tailored training programs aimed at developing the AI skills of your employees. This can range from workshops to comprehensive certification programs.
• Risk management: We help identify and minimize risks, from technical challenges to security and compliance issues.
• Strategic planning: We support the establishment of the AI competence center by helping to develop a clear vision and strategy. This includes aligning AI goals with business objectives, optimizing the organizational structure and fostering an AI-friendly corporate culture.

In our case study, we show you how we accompany companies on their AI journey as a whole, using enBW as an example: