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Chief Strategy Officers in the AI Era

Key Questions and Tensions on the Road to ROI

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes integral to business strategy, chief strategy officers (CSOs) and AI leadership must address critical questions and navigate tensions to unlock AI’s full potential. This report is based on interviews with leaders across several industries and provides insights to help CSOs align AI initiatives with business value.

Key takeaways

  • AI initiatives must be tightly aligned with the organization’s strategic goals to create quantifiable business value.

  • CSOs must strike a balance between fostering innovation through AI and managing associated risks and compliance requirements.

  • Preparing the workforce for AI adoption is crucial for the successful implementation of AI strategies.

Insights for the road ahead

Strategic objectives drive AI decisions

AI drives enterprise strategy by aligning decisions with strategic objectives, enhancing ROI, workforce skills, and market solutions.

AI value is a string of pearls

CSOs should view AI as diverse tech solutions, each aiding strategy. Analyze feasibility, cost, and ROI for each to build collective business value.

CSO as a scorekeeper

CSOs link strategy to value by guiding CxOs. They ensure strategic alignment, question progress, and keep AI activities on track with business goals.

Weigh the risk of disruption

If AI disruption isn't immediate, evaluate if any of your use cases my apply to others organizations. If they do, expect commoditization. For near-term disruption, use market sensing to track your competitors' AI use.

Factor in risk and compliance

Assess each AI initiative for value and risk early. Unmitigated risk can harm trust, growth, and compliance, impacting your business goals.