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Staying on top of AI Developments
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the business world. From streamlining operations to unlocking deeper customer insights, AI brings a wealth of potential to the modern enterprise. But to capitalize on these benefits, companies need to go beyond just implementing AI systems - they need a workforce that's prepared to work alongside them (this includes the business, IT and even security professionals).
We’re often asked how to stay on top of AI developments, both technological and regulatory, and how to empower teams with the knowledge, skills, and an understanding of the risks in using AI.
When approaching how to enable your workforce for AI adoption, it’s important to recognize it isn't just about technology, but about investing in your people. By demystifying AI, focusing on strategic skills building, and creating a culture that values continuous learning, your enterprise can unlock the full potential of AI as a transformative technology and prepare for the future of work. It is critical that both IT and business teams understand how AI works, how these risks materialize, and what to do about them.
Staying informed about AI is no longer optional - it's vital. New use cases are emerging and problems are being solved by capable users of the technology. A workforce empowered by AI knowledge translates into innovation, increased efficiency, and a stronger competitive edge, laying the path for successful AI integration in a changing business environment. In this blog, we discuss some strategies leaders can employ to upskill their teams.
Demystify AI
As noted in Google’s Secure AI Framework (SAIF), it’s important to level set with an AI primer and its security follow-up. Start with the basics of AI - what it is, what it's not, and its business applications. Aligning on concepts like AI, machine learning (ML), Deep Learning, gen AI, and large language models (LLMs) enables all stakeholders to accurately identify and evaluate the relevant risks and controls required to manage and deploy AI safely and responsibly.
Using a common vernacular across the enterprise also serves to build a strong foundation to foster further learning. Likewise, it elevates the discussion, addressing common misconceptions and helping to avoid missteps.
Implement an AI Skills Building Program
Because the best way to learn AI is to actually use the models - experiment with them, spend time with them, apply them in your work.
Tailor your learning initiatives for different target audiences. Technologists, data scientists, information security specialists, compliance teams and business users, for instance, will all be expected to be proficient in using AI at some point in the near future, but their usage will vary significantly. At Google Cloud, we understand that one size doesn’t fit all, so we’ve developed AI learning paths that provide options based on area of interest and experience level.
As we previously noted, “Google Cloud has been working for decades to bring AI technology solutions to organizations, and our tools make it easier to build experiences across our cloud portfolio. Whether you’re executive-level, an IT decision maker, in a non-technical role, or a technical practitioner, we have videos, courses and labs to help you learn about the power of generative AI.”
Our Generative AI Skills Boost provides business users with an overview of generative AI concepts from the fundamentals of large language models to responsible AI principles. For those looking for more of a hands-on experience, try hands-on labs and explore prompt engineering. Essentially, look for opportunities to enable your staff to experiment safely and securely.
Persona-based Training
For AI engineering professionals and application developers, exploring How Google Does Machine Learning, the Generative AI for Developers Learning Path and Getting Started with Machine Learning Operations (ML Ops) may also be informative for the best practices for deploying, evaluating, monitoring and operating production ML systems on Google Cloud, and to put that knowledge to use with curated courses and hands-on labs and certificates in AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Exchange ideas by joining a Google Developer Group.
For information security professionals looking to stay up to date on the evolving cybersecurity landscape and emerging threats, subscribe to the CISO perspectives newsletter, peruse the Threat Horizons intelligence report, hear from security leaders on the Cloud Security Podcast, and refer to what to think about when you’re thinking about securing AI. Additionally, our Threat Intelligence blog arms security professionals with the in-depth knowledge, skills, and tools to defend against the latest and most pressing threats.
For Risk and Compliance professionals, reference Google Cloud’s Approach to Trust in Artificial Intelligence for a view into Google’s security, privacy, governance, and responsible AI posture. When assessing and advising on your organization’s AI usage, take a look at our AI governance best practices for some helpful tips.
Cultivate a Culture of Continuous Learning
AI is going to transform the way work is done and to maintain leadership in a market, your ability to learn and apply this new technology is critical to competitive advantage. Keep in mind, staying current on a field changing as rapidly as AI isn’t a one-time exercise, and fostering a continuous learning culture in your organization takes an intentional, proactive and programmatic approach.
Encourage employees to stay updated on AI trends and advancements, creating a work environment that embraces experimentation and the use of new technologies. Raise awareness by highlighting key questions that need to be addressed to drive secure AI implementation.
Consider including AI upskilling in staff’s expectations, and provide opportunities for learning by attending conferences, webinars, and industry events that facilitate network building, sharing ideas and resources, and staying on top of the latest trends. Amplify and celebrate how employees have successfully leveraged AI in their work and offer rewards or recognition for AI certification completion or for accomplishing other milestones.
