Balancing human talent and AI remains key challenge

Achieving productive coexistence between human workers and artificial intelligence (AI) remains a significant obstacle for organisations seeking to expand their use of AI, according to a new whitepaper published by CompTIA, the technology industry association.

The paper, titled "Building AI Strategy," outlines various challenges and potential strategies associated with AI implementation in business workflows.

One of the primary concerns highlighted in the whitepaper is the difficulty in balancing new AI tools with existing human talent. Seth Robinson, Vice President of Industry Research at CompTIA, stated, "Finding the best balance between their employees and new AI tools is front and centre for many companies. There seems to be genuine interest in making their workforce more efficient through strategic AI applications and targeted upskilling."

The whitepaper identifies three main questions that need to be addressed before AI can meaningfully transform business workflows: how AI will integrate into existing architecture, what new vulnerabilities may arise, and the implications for human-computer coexistence. According to the survey conducted by CompTIA, consisting of responses from 521 technology professionals, there is a significant interest in incorporating AI into current technology stacks in a manner that complements rather than replaces human workers.

CompTIA's research revealed that most businesses plan to invest in existing technology tools, such as customer relationship management systems, business productivity suites, and HR systems, which already come with AI embedded to provide new features. "These tools are already integral parts of corporate workflow, and AI will become a powerful new part of a complex solution stack," Robinson explained. "In this scenario, a company will likely require a low degree of AI expertise across its entire workforce and a high degree of AI expertise in a few select areas."

CompTIA has introduced an AI Framework identifying six areas for skills-building that will gain importance as AI technology becomes more embedded in the business environment. These areas include augmenting cybersecurity professionals with AI/ML capabilities, growing human engagement with AI/ML coding programs, constructing AI/ML-supportive network architectures, understanding industry-specific best practices for AI/ML prompting, evolving the data analytics field, and enhancing system operations such as business process automation with AI/ML.

Cost-related challenges are another significant consideration for companies implementing AI. The survey found that 45% of firms cited the cost of infrastructure needed to enable AI as a challenge. Robinson noted, "Using cloud solutions or embedded functionality allows them to enjoy AI benefits without developing proprietary systems, thus reducing the likelihood of significant financial outlays."

Cybersecurity and privacy concerns are also prominent, with 45% of companies ranking them high on the list of challenges. This may reflect lessons learned from previous experiences where firms adopted new technology architectures or applications without fully considering cybersecurity implications.

The whitepaper argues that AI is poised to become a transformative tool in existing technology stacks, but careful planning and strategic execution are essential. The insights gathered from the survey provide a roadmap for businesses to integrate AI effectively while maintaining a balanced and secure approach.

CompTIA's whitepaper "Building AI Strategy" is designed to help organisations navigate the complexities of AI implementation. By addressing key questions and identifying areas for skills development, the paper aims to support businesses in leveraging AI to enhance their operations without compromising on security or human contributions.