Read the new white paper from IDC and Microsoft for tips on creating trustworthy AI and how businesses benefit from responsible use of AI.
I am pleased to present to you the white paper commissioned by Microsoft with IDC: The business case for responsible AI. This white paper, based on IDC’s global survey on Responsible AI sponsored by Microsoft, offers guidance to business and technology leaders on how to systematically create Trustworthy AI. In today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape, AI has become a transformative force, reshaping industries and redefining the way businesses operate. The use of generative AI increased from 55% in 2023 to 75% in 2024; the potential of AI to drive innovation and improve operational efficiency is undeniable.1 However, with great power comes great responsibility. The deployment of AI technologies also carries significant risks and challenges that must be addressed to ensure responsible use.
At Microsoft, we are committed to enabling every person and organization to use and create trustworthy AI—that is, AI that is private, safe, and secure. You can learn more about our commitments and capabilities in our announcement on trustworthy AI. Our approach to Safe AI, or Responsible AI, is built on our core values, risk management and compliance practices, advanced tools and technologies, and the dedication of people committed to deploying and using generative AI responsibly.
We believe that a responsible approach to AI promotes innovation by ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a fair, transparent and responsible manner. IDC’s Global Responsible AI Survey found that 91% of organizations are currently using AI technology and expect more than 24% improvement in customer experience, business resilience business, sustainability and operational efficiency through AI in 2024. Additionally, organizations that use responsible AI solutions have reported benefits such as better data privacy, improved customer experience , safe business decisions and strengthened reputation and brand trust. These solutions are built with tools and methodologies to identify, assess and mitigate potential risks throughout their development and deployment.
AI is a critical enabler of business transformation, providing unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth. However, the responsible development and use of AI is essential to mitigate risks and build trust with customers and stakeholders. By taking a responsible approach to AI, organizations can align AI deployment with their societal values and expectations, generating lasting value for both the organization and its customers.
Key findings from the IDC survey
IDC’s Global Responsible AI Survey highlights the importance of implementing responsible AI practices:
- More than 30% of respondents highlighted the lack of governance and risk management solutions as the biggest barrier to AI adoption and development.
- More than 75% of respondents using responsible AI solutions reported improvements in data privacy, customer experience, confident business decisions, brand reputation and trust.
- Organizations are increasingly investing in AI and machine learning governance tools and professional services for responsible AI, with 35% of AI organization spending in 2024 allocated to AI governance tools. AI and machine learning and 32% to professional services.
In response to these findings, IDC suggests that a responsible AI organization is built on four fundamental elements: core values and governance, risk management and compliance, technologies, and workforce.
- Core values and governance: A responsible AI organization defines and articulates its AI mission and principles, supported by company leadership. Establishing a clear governance structure within the organization builds trust in AI technologies.
- Risk management and compliance: Strengthening compliance with the stated principles and the laws and regulations in force is essential. Organizations should develop policies to mitigate risks and implement these policies through a risk management framework with regular reporting and monitoring.
- Technologies: It is crucial to use tools and techniques to support principles such as fairness, explainability, robustness, accountability and privacy. These principles must be integrated into AI systems and platforms.
- Workforce: It is critical to empower leaders to make Responsible AI a critical business imperative and provide all employees with training on Responsible AI principles. Training all staff ensures responsible adoption of AI across the organization.
Tips and recommendations for business and technology leaders
To ensure responsible use of AI technologies, organizations should consider taking a systematic approach to AI governance. Based on the research, here are some recommendations for business and technology leaders. It is worth noting that Microsoft has adopted these practices and is committed to working with its customers on their responsible AI journey:
- Establishing the principles of AI: Commit to developing technology responsibly and establishing specific application areas that will not be pursued. Avoid creating or reinforcing unfair biases and build and test security. Learn how Microsoft creates and manages AI responsibly.
- Implement AI governance: Create an AI governance committee with diverse and inclusive representation. Set policies governing internal and external use of AI, promote 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 guard against unauthorized access to data and ensure user trust. Learn more about Microsoft’s work to implement generative AI across the organization, securely and responsibly.
- Invest in AI training: Allocate resources for regular training and workshops on responsible AI practices for all staff, including leaders. Visit Microsoft Learn and find courses on generative AI for business leaders, developers, and machine learning professionals.
- Stay up to date with global AI regulations: Stay up to date with global AI regulations, such as the European AI Act, and ensure compliance with emerging requirements. Stay up to date with Microsoft Trust Center requirements.
As organizations continue to integrate AI into their business processes, it is important to remember that responsible AI provides a strategic advantage. By embedding responsible AI practices at the heart of their operations, organizations can drive innovation, build 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 capitalize on the opportunities it presents to reinvent the customer experience or accelerate 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. Furthermore, we leverage our partner ecosystem provide customers with business and technical information designed to enable the deployment of responsible AI solutions on the Microsoft platform. By working together, we can create a future in which AI is used responsibly, to the benefit of businesses and society as a whole.
As organizations navigate the complexities of AI adoption, it is important to make responsible AI an integrated, organization-wide practice. In doing so, organizations can harness the full potential of AI while using it in a way that is fair and beneficial to everyone.
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1IDC 2024 AI Opportunity Study: Top 5 AI Trends to WatchAlysa 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 informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.