Understanding the AI Readiness Gap: Insights from Unisys’ Brett Barton
As businesses increasingly recognize the necessity of artificial intelligence (AI) as a cornerstone of future strategies, a recent conversation with Brett Barton, vice president and global AI practice leader at Unisys, highlights a striking paradox. Despite over 93% of organizations acknowledging the importance of AI, only 30% feel that their current implementation provides a competitive advantage. This disparity can be attributed to significant challenges related to data integrity, talent acquisition, and operational frameworks.
Organizations are often hindered by the persistent shortcomings in data governance and quality. Barton emphasizes that clean and accessible data is paramount for the successful deployment of AI solutions, yet many firms continue to struggle with subpar data infrastructure. This challenge is exacerbated for smaller organizations facing intense competition for talent, which is predominantly concentrated within larger enterprises that possess more resources.
Barton draws a compelling parallel between the ongoing evolution of AI initiatives and the developmental journey of a child. "Whether you are engaging with traditional AI or exploring generative AI, these initiatives should not be treated as isolated projects," he states. "They are programs that require ongoing commitment." As the landscape of business operations shifts, organizations must remain vigilant in updating their data sources and continually measuring data quality.
In a recent video interview, he further elaborated on strategies for effective AI rollout, emphasizing the need for organizations to balance the urgency of rapid adoption with the necessity of meticulous planning. The conversation addressed the pivotal decision many firms face: whether to purchase existing AI solutions or invest in developing customized technologies in-house. Barton also discussed tailored approaches for mid-sized companies that often operate with constrained budgets and limited resources, thereby enabling them to leverage AI effectively despite their challenges.
Barton brings over two decades of experience across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, and financial services. His extensive background informs his work in identifying and implementing innovative applications of AI and machine learning that are poised to create sustainable value for Unisys’ clientele.
The insights shared by Barton underscore a growing recognition among business leaders: addressing the AI readiness gap is imperative for maintaining market competitiveness. As companies navigate the complexities of AI integration while also safeguarding against cyber threats, a deep understanding of the underlying risks remains essential.
In the context of cybersecurity, organizations must be aware of the potential tactics outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework that adversaries may exploit, such as initial access methods that could facilitate breaches into critical AI systems. As companies ramp up their AI initiatives, they must also fortify their defenses against evolving threats that can jeopardize their data and operations. The interplay between AI advancement and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly intertwined, making it a critical concern for business leaders aiming to thrive in a digital-first landscape.
As the narrative of AI in business continues to evolve, the imperative for robust cybersecurity practices will only grow. Leaders who prioritize both AI integration and cybersecurity readiness will be better positioned to navigate the future landscape of competitive business.
The synthesis of these insights reinforces the need for organizations to foster a proactive approach in bridging the AI readiness gap while simultaneously fortifying their cybersecurity measures to mitigate the associated risks.
