Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere and nowhere at the same time. On the one hand, AI has jumped from esoteric laboratory to full embrace, with a speed and ferocity that has caught even its supporters by surprise.1 On the other hand, for many, AI’s behind-the-scenes and often ephemeral nature disguises its dramatic and long-term potential contribution to business. Whether fully embraced or lurking behind the scenes, the numbers are clear – AI is big, important and transforma- tive. Companies ignore AI at their peril.
But accepting AI is not enough. AI is on the verge of a structural failure if it continues on its current path. Consumers may become confused by its behavior, which could harm the trusted personal andcorporate relationships that drive and serve business. Employees may question whether AI is helping them or harming them, perhaps even replacing them. Hackers and other bad actors could “weapon- ize” AI to attack individual or corporate targets. Governments may first question, then regulate, the role of AI in making decisions that have economic impact.