Navigating AI Deployment - Insights from the Black Country Innovate UK
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries, and businesses in the Black Country are eager to stay at the forefront of this revolution. Drawing on consultations with over 60 SMEs in the region, it is clear that while AI holds significant potential to drive growth and innovation, deploying it effectively presents considerable challenges.
The City of Wolverhampton College Innovation Hub is playing a vital role in supporting local businesses on their AI journey, with expertise in areas such as cybersecurity, green technology, and digital transformation. However, as organisations strive to implement AI, two recurring themes emerge: the need for robust data infrastructure and skilled talent.
The Challenge of Data Management
AI relies heavily on data, yet for many SMEs, the data landscape is fragmented. From structured databases to unstructured media files, standardising these diverse formats remains a significant challenge. Without proper data governance and IT infrastructure, organisations struggle to unlock AI’s full potential.
Dr Sage Lal, CEO of ThirdWaveICT and an Innovate UK consultant, stresses:
"For SMEs in the Black Country, establishing robust data infrastructure and investing in skilled professionals are essential steps towards successful AI integration. Collaborating with resources like the City of Wolverhampton College Innovation Hub can significantly enhance these efforts."
Additionally, compute performance—how efficiently systems process large datasets—and data security remain critical hurdles. Companies are increasingly focusing on optimising these areas to meet the demands of AI deployment. Digital Innovation Hub - City of Wolverhampton College
Environmental Considerations
While AI promises operational efficiency, it also raises concerns about sustainability. The energy required to train large AI models can leave a significant carbon footprint. For example, training GPT-3 resulted in over 500 metric tonnes of CO? emissions.
David, Director at Green Tech Hub, highlights the importance of balancing innovation with sustainability:
"At Green Tech Hub, we believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. By leveraging AI and green technologies, businesses can drive growth while minimising their environmental impact. Our goal is to empower organisations with the tools and knowledge to transition towards a greener, smarter future."
Experiments such as Google’s DeepMind energy-saving initiatives demonstrate how AI can also be part of the solution, optimising energy usage and reducing environmental impact.
Gary Pritchard, Director at Media Print Group, emphasis the critical role of technology in advancing sustainability:
"Integrating sustainable practices not only yields a commercial advantage, encompassing cost savings, brand enhancement, and long-term viability, but also has a direct impact on talent attraction." Home || Media Digital Screens
This perspective highlights the importance of leveraging technology to drive sustainable innovation and achieve business success.
The Role of Talent
While technology forms the cornerstone of AI deployment, the human element is just as critical. Finding professionals who can bridge the gap between technical expertise and business needs remains a persistent challenge.
Amit Patel, Creative Director at Experience Haus, underscores the importance of nurturing talent through practical, real-world learning experiences.
''...learn by doing, approach, enabling students to apply their knowledge directly to real-life projects. This methodology not only enhances skill acquisition but also prepares individuals to meet industry demands effectively.'' Real-World Design Training Courses in London and Online | Experience Haus
Anuj Jain, CEO of CyberSec Consulting, underscores the importance of building awareness and trust:
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"Cybersecurity is not just about technologies and processes; it’s all about people. If your people are not smart enough to understand what is good and bad, it opens a different set of problem areas in cybersecurity." Cyber Security Services Provider | Managed Security Services
Similarly, Amardeep Singh, Co-founder of Classfeeds, speaks to the value of tailoring solutions for users:
"Our purpose was, and will always be, to provide the right material in the right way at the right pace for the learner, whoever that may be." Home | Classfeeds
Manny Athwal, CEO School of Coding and AI, adds:
"Deploying machine learning isn't solely about ensuring engineers trust the technical aspects of the system; it’s equally about building trust among the people who use it. This requires clear guidance and empowering users to validate the system's predictions or step in when something seems off." Empower Your Future: Explore Coding at School of Coding & AI
The Path Forward
The future of AI in the Black Country hinges on two critical investments:
With resources like the City of Wolverhampton College Innovation Hub and leaders across sectors stepping forward, SMEs in the region are well-positioned to overcome challenges and harness AI’s transformative power.
Please note we are offering Free of charge the following courses to anyone who wishes to learn... Limited time only thanks to ThirdWaveICT and IBM and CISCO.
SMEs take these free courses
INNOVATE UK - Introduction to Cybersecurity
AI Fundamentals with IBM SkillsBuild - INNOVATE UK
INNOVATE UK Introduction to IoT and Digital Transformation
INNOVATE UK Data Analytics Essentials
INNOVATE UK Discovering Entrepreneurship
Python Introduction
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Creative Director : Experience Haus | Building design education for individuals and teams | Product Consultant
3 个月Great read! Very inspiring to see all the action taking place...
Sales | Partner Alliances | Advance Cyber Security Services | Identity and Access Management Expert
3 个月Very well articulated Sage Lal
Consultant Partner Renewables
3 个月It’s been an honour to work with Dr Sage and Petra and all at innovate with the progressive skills and thinking they have introduced to all involved in the decarbonisation projects within the City of Wolverhampton Colleges