Understanding your 'why' for Artificial Intelligence

There are different ways AI could add value to your organisation. You can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to, for example, classify data, make predictions or recommendations, produce new content, or, in the case of agentic AI take action on your behalf. Sector bodies and organisations may have more information or recommendations for industry-specific uses and offerings.

It is good to be clear on what your organisation is looking for AI to achieve. When determining the purpose of AI use – ensure that its intention is lawful, including that it does not impede on any human or commercial rights, including privacy.

Getting started

When considering how to incorporate AI solutions into operations, or what an AI system purpose could be, your business could take steps to:

• understand where there are areas of inefficiencies or repetitive, rule-based tasks
• consider whether there is organisational data or assets that you can lawfully process with AI to produce new products or services, or a new business model (see fit-for-purpose data for more detail on appropriate data use)
• draw on stakeholder insights
• conduct a cost-benefit analysis (including any intangible or indirect costs the organisation may be interested in, for example potential environmental impact)
• consider similar case studies in the relevant industry to draw on
• explore opportunities to experiment safely via ‘AI sandboxes’ where AI systems can be tested in a way that is isolated from real-world operations
• consult industry peers or peak bodies on recommended solutions or use cases.

Cross-functional groups or teams established as part of your business governance practices (detailed in the next section) could have strategic conversations, for example to define:

• priorities, values, and approach to AI, and check these complement and enhance existing policies about information security, data permissions and management, legal compliance, and privacy
• guiding principles to help understand what is important as a business and steer decisions made around data and AI use
• common language and terminology to help with getting started on the right foot.

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