Overcoming AI scepticism: The case for a Darwinian strategy

In a commentary, SMU Professor Emeritus of Operations Management Arnoud De Meyer observed the scepticism surrounding artificial intelligence’s (AI) real impact, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Prof De Meyer opined that SMEs should focus on automation, augmentation and addition. He added that SMEs needed to begin with strong data discipline and adopt a Darwinian approach by building a culture of openness, making AI use transparent, and adopting a “learn fast, scale fast” mindset. He concluded that SMEs could turn ambiguity into an advantage through solid data, open experimentation, continuous learning, as well as swift execution and diffusion.