In today’s dynamic business landscape, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer optional—it’s essential. Despite its critical role, many companies struggle with implementing AI effectively, primarily due to a shortage of qualified talent. This gap presents a significant challenge, but the AI Wayfinder program offers a promising solution.

Navigating the AI Talent Shortage

The rise of AI technologies has created a pressing demand for skilled professionals who can harness its potential. However, finding individuals who possess both the technical know-how and the strategic insight to drive AI projects is a significant hurdle. This shortage not only hampers innovation but also leaves many businesses unable to fully realize the benefits of AI.

Introducing the AI Wayfinder Program

The AI Wayfinder program, a collaboration between CompuSafe Data Systems AG and Verdas AI, is designed to address this talent gap. This 18-month initiative is more than just a training course—it’s a comprehensive development program that transforms participants into AI experts ready to make a significant impact.

Tailored Training for Future AI Leaders

One of the standout features of the AI Wayfinder program is its customized training approach. Participants receive instruction from internationally renowned AI experts, covering critical areas such as AI strategy development, regulatory compliance, and technical skills including machine learning (ML) and MLOps. This training is meticulously designed to meet the specific needs of participating companies, ensuring that the skills acquired are immediately applicable.

Practical Experience and Real-World Application

The program’s dual structure is particularly effective. Participants are employed by CompuSafe and embedded directly into client projects. This hands-on experience allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, ensuring a seamless transition from learning to practice. Companies benefit from immediate contributions to their AI initiatives while participants gain invaluable practical experience.

Comprehensive Skill Development

Beyond technical expertise, the AI Wayfinder program places a strong emphasis on soft skills development. Participants are trained in areas such as virtual team management, design thinking, personal development, and change management. These skills are crucial for leading AI projects and driving organizational change. The holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-rounded professionals equipped to handle the multifaceted challenges of AI implementation.

Continuous Support and Mentorship

Throughout the 18 months, participants and client teams receive continuous support from a dedicated network of trainers, coaches, and mentors. This support system ensures that both the individuals and the organizations involved can maximize the benefits of the program. The mentorship helps participants stay abreast of the latest developments in AI, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Benefits for Businesses and Individuals

The AI Wayfinder program offers substantial benefits for both companies and participants. Businesses gain access to a pool of highly trained AI professionals who can drive innovation and optimize operations. The immediate integration of participants into projects ensures that companies start seeing the benefits right away.

For individuals, the program is a gateway to a rewarding career in AI. It provides them with the skills and experience needed to excel in this rapidly evolving field. The comprehensive training and real-world application equip participants to become leaders and change-makers in their respective organizations.

Conclusion

The AI Wayfinder program is a strategic response to the growing AI talent gap. By investing in this program, companies can secure the expertise they need to stay competitive and innovative. For participants, it’s an opportunity to advance their careers and become pivotal players in the AI landscape.

Embrace the future of AI with the AI Wayfinder program. Transform your workforce and lead the charge in AI innovation. For more information and to join the program, visit our website or contact us directly.

In December 2023, following two years of investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), TESLA recalled over 2 million vehicles on U.S. roads. 

Covering nearly all their vehicles, the largest-ever TESLA recall occurred after NHTSA cited safety concerns over TESLA’s autopilot driver-assistance system. Where it was found to be insufficient in preventing driver abuse and could increase the risk of a crash [1]. Undoubtedly, the costs for such recall – both monetary and reputational – are monumental. And despite TESLA’s disagreement to NHTSA’s analysis, the NHTSA had found (among many) that “drivers are not always paying attention when the autopilot system is on”.

This example, one of many, demonstrates the importance of prioritizing and supporting Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics as part of AI adoption or development plans for businesses. Against the background of “unforeseen” AI technology misuse, perhaps in 2024, businesses would start to seriously reconsider the value of having a qualified AI Ethics team and framework to consult prior to their AI deployment.

Commonly placed under “ex-ante” approach to AI Ethics assessment, a qualified AI Ethics team and framework could assist businesses in identifying human misuses before their AI deployment. Especially during the designing and integration stage. In the process, help businesses to reduce possibilities of unnecessary business expenditures such as recalling, reputational damage, compliance risks, and lawsuits.

Additionally, human “misuse” of AI is not exclusive to TESLA. According to OECD AI Incidents Monitor (AIM), between October 2023 to December 2023, there were about 1763 incidents or article coverage of events related to AI [2].

One of the most recent editions to OECD AIM’s is on a ruling by the UK Supreme Court that rejected AI output as “patent worthy”. A ruling adjudicated after a US computer scientist attempted to profit from patenting AI output [3]. Albeit, this ruling is not necessarily considered as a “high-profile” incident, it is nonetheless a ruling that extends the theme of unforeseen misuse of AI by humans.

Unfortunately, this theme has not been appropriately addressed by businesses when we reflect decisions made by tech-giants in disbanding, devaluing, or completely dismissing their AI Ethics team and leadership over the past few years [4]–[6]

Considering these AI related incidents, it is perhaps possible in 2024, AI Ethics in its entirety could be “revalued” in similar vein of importance with all other AI developments and achievements. As AI becomes more ubiquitous in parallel with upcoming AI regulations, and with growing customer and market demand for ethical AI, it is argued here that businesses will have a tough road ahead if they believe AI Ethics as merely a philosophical discipline without any bearing on business profitability.

Ahmad Firdaus – AI Ethicist at Verdas AI

1] David Shepardson, ‘Tesla recalls nearly all vehicles on US roads over lack of Autopilot safeguards’, Reuters, December 14 20223. [Online]. Available: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-update-software-autopilot-control-issue-2-mln-vehicles-nhtsa-2023-12-13/

[2] ‘OECD AI Incidents Monitor (AIM) October 2023 – December 2023’. OECD, Dec. 28, 2023. [Online]. Available: https://oecd.ai/en/incidents?search_terms=%5B%5D&and_condition=false&from_date=2023-10-01&to_date=2023-12-28&properties_config=%7B%22principles%22:%5B%5D,%22industries%22:%5B%5D,%22harm_types%22:%5B%5D,%22harm_levels%22:%5B%5D,%22harmed_entities%22:%5B%5D%7D&only_threats=false&order_by=date&num_results=20

[3] ‘AI cannot be patent “inventor”, UK Supreme Court rules in landmark case | Law-Order’, OECD, Dec. 2023. [Online]. Available: https://oecd.ai/en/incidents/58264

[4] Wes Davis, ‘Meta disbanded its Responsible AI team’, The Verge, Nov. 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/meta-disbanded-its-responsible-ai-team/ar-AA1k9MVq

[5] Cristina Criddle and Madhumita Murgia, ‘Big tech companies cut AI ethics staff, raising safety concerns’, Financial Times, Mar. 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.ft.com/content/26372287-6fb3-457b-9e9c-f722027f36b3

[6] Rachel Metz, ‘Google is trying to end the controversy over its Ethical AI team. It’s not going well’, CNN, Feb. 2021. [Online]. Available: https://edition.cnn.com/2021/02/19/tech/google-ai-ethics-investigation/index.html