Read a new paper from IDC and Microsoft for guidance on building trusted AI and how businesses benefit from the responsible use of AI.
I am pleased to present Microsoft’s whitepaper with IDC: The Business Case for Responsible AI. Based on IDC’s Global Responsible AI Survey sponsored by Microsoft, this whitepaper offers business and technology leaders guidance on how to systematically build trusted AI. In today’s rapidly evolving technology environment, AI has emerged as a transformative force that has reshaped industries and redefined the way businesses operate. Use of generative artificial intelligence jumps from 55% in 2023 to 75% in 2024; The potential of artificial intelligence to drive innovation and increase operational efficiency is undeniable.1 However, with great power comes great responsibility. The deployment of AI technologies also brings with it significant risks and challenges that must be addressed to ensure responsible use.
At Microsoft, we’re committed to empowering every person and organization to use and build AI that’s trusted, which means AI that’s private, safe, and secure. You can learn more about our commitments and options in our Trusted Artificial Intelligence Notice. Our approach to safe AI or responsible AI is based on our core values, risk management and compliance practices, advanced tools and technologies, and the commitment of individuals to responsibly implement and use generative AI.
We believe that a responsible AI approach fosters innovation by ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a way that is fair, transparent and accountable. IDC’s Worldwide Responsible AI Survey found that 91% of organizations are currently using AI technology and expect more than 24% improvement in customer experience, business resilience, sustainability and operational efficiency through AI in 2024. Additionally, organizations using responsible AI solutions has shown benefits such as better privacy, improved customer experience, confident business decisions and enhanced brand reputation and trust. These solutions are built with tools and methodologies to identify, assess and mitigate potential risks during their development and deployment.
Artificial intelligence is a critical enabler for business transformation and offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth. However, the responsible development and use of AI is critical to mitigating risks and building trust with customers and stakeholders. By adopting a responsible AI approach, organizations can align AI deployments with their values and societal expectations, resulting in sustainable value for both the organization and its customers.
Key findings from the IDC survey
The IDC Worldwide Responsible AI Survey highlights the importance of operationalizing responsible AI practices:
- More than 30% of respondents said a lack of risk management solutions is a major barrier to AI adoption and scaling.
- More than 75% of respondents using responsible AI solutions reported improvements in privacy, customer experience, confident business decisions, brand reputation and trust.
- Organizations are increasingly investing in AI and machine learning management tools and responsible AI professional services, with 35% of organizational AI spending in 2024 allocated to AI and machine learning management tools and 32% to professional services.
In response to these findings, IDC suggests that a responsible AI organization is built on four core elements: core values and governance, risk management and compliance, technology and workforce.
- Core values and management: The responsible AI organization defines and articulates its AI mission and principles with the support of company management. Creating a clear governance structure across the organization builds trust and confidence in AI technologies.
- Risk management and compliance: Strengthening compliance with the stated principles and current laws and regulations is essential. Organizations must develop risk mitigation policies and operationalize them through a risk management framework with regular reporting and monitoring.
- Technology: Using tools and techniques to support principles such as fairness, explainability, robustness, accountability and privacy is essential. These principles must be built into AI systems and platforms.
- Labor force: Empowering leadership to elevate responsible AI to a critical business imperative and providing training on responsible AI principles to all employees is paramount. Training the wider workforce ensures responsible adoption of AI across the organisation.
Advice and recommendations for business and technology leaders
To ensure responsible use of AI technologies, organizations should consider a systematic approach to AI governance. Based on the research, here are some recommendations for business and technology leaders. It’s worth noting that Microsoft has adopted these practices and is committed to working with customers on their responsible AI journey:
- Establish the principles of AI: Commit to responsible technology development and establish specific application areas that will not be pursued. Avoid creating or reinforcing unfair biases and build and test security. Learn how Microsoft builds and manages AI responsibly.
- Implement AI governance: Create an AI governance committee with diverse and inclusive representation. Define policies to govern internal and external use of AI, enforce transparency and explainability, and conduct regular AI audits. Read the Microsoft Transparency Report.
- Prioritize privacy and security: Strengthen privacy and data protection measures in AI operations to ensure protection against unauthorized access to data and ensure user trust. Learn more about Microsoft’s work to safely and responsibly implement generative artificial intelligence across the organization.
- Invest in AI training: Allocate resources for regular training and workshops on responsible AI practices for the entire workforce, including executive leadership. Visit Microsoft Learn to find generative artificial intelligence courses for business leaders, developers, and machine learning professionals.
- Keep up with global AI regulations: Stay up-to-date on global AI regulations, such as the EU AI Act, and ensure compliance with emerging requirements. Stay up-to-date with Microsoft Trust Center requirements.
As organizations continue to integrate AI into business processes, it is important to recognize that responsible AI is a strategic advantage. By embedding responsible AI practices at the core of their operations, organizations can drive innovation, increase customer trust and support long-term sustainability. Organizations that prioritize responsible AI may be better positioned to navigate the complexities of the AI landscape and take advantage of the opportunities it presents to reshape the customer experience or bend the innovation curve.
At Microsoft, we are committed to supporting our customers on their responsible AI journey. We offer a range of tools, resources and best practices to help organizations effectively implement responsible AI principles. In addition, we leverage our partner ecosystem to provide customers with market and technical insights designed to enable the deployment of responsible AI solutions on the Microsoft platform. By working together, we can create a future where artificial intelligence is used responsibly, benefiting both businesses and society as a whole.
As organizations navigate the complexities of AI adoption, it is critical that responsible AI becomes an integrated practice across the organization. In this way, organizations can harness the full potential of AI and use it in a way that is fair and beneficial to all.
Discover the solution
1IDC’s AI Opportunity Study 2024: Top Five AI Trends to Watch by Alysa Taylor. November 14, 2024.
IDC White Paper: Sponsored by Microsoft, 2024 The Business Case for Responsible AI, IDC #US52727124, December 2024. The study was commissioned and sponsored by Microsoft. This document is provided for information only and should not be construed as legal advice.
