AI is revolutionising how companies work, but the uptake is not one size fits all. How has AI transformed the way we work at Technopolis Group?
Technopolis Group has been grappling with the potential of Artificial Intelligence for some time. In this edition of the Technopolitan,‘Artificial Intelligence: Trends, parables, and promises of transformation’, we have explored emerging trends and challenges in AI deployment in the public and private sectors, taking stock of the evolving regulatory framework in Europe and globally. We have even put forth an ethical framework to guide policymaking around AI.
As the last in this series, this article looks at AI uptake in our own business. Fuelled by the will to innovate, many companies have AI strategies and view integration as a priority. While corporate investment in AI is generating revenue, there are fluctuations in the market and even criticisms that these tools disrupt already effective workflows.
No doubt, AI will continue to have an impact on how companies evolve. This article reflects on how AI-based solutions have transformed our work at Technopolis Group and our approach to smart, responsible uptake going forward.
An AI origin story
Even before generative AI took off, we could see the potential of the technology and the power of linking different data to answer client questions in an increasingly complex and challenging world. Back in 2017, we started from a policy perspective exploring how the ‘Big Data’ revolution could support providing insights to our clients (from the implementation of their functions to the analytics to inform decision making). In 2018, we were also involved in some interesting projects to evaluate collaborative R&D programmes supporting the use of AI in different sectors (from space to nuclear energy). This portfolio has been expanded substantially with a large number of projects delivered across the company offices including projects with the European Commission giving technical support to the AI Office in implementing the AI Act, helping DG CNECT with analysing the potential use of AI in the Culture and Creative sectors, mapping the needs for cloud and edge computing infrastructure for AI workloads, as well as the analysis of AI adoption in businesses.
Our project-specific work has developed in tandem with a continuous increase in the use of data science techniques in our work. What started organically, driven by the ingenuity and innovative spirit our colleagues, was soon supported by a strategic decision to embed data science across all our practice, and the creation of our Data Science Unit (DSU) in 2023. Over the last 2 years, our unit has developed an array of exciting in-house tools that are improving the way we link and cut across thousands and thousands of volumes of data and information.
Bringing our policy expertise to AI
When it comes to policy evaluation, the nature of the work has always been challenging. Tracing impact and outcomes is not easy (and requires expertise). The novelty of AI integration is the ability to link data to results and outcomes at superhuman speed. Generative AI can help with the investigative process, testing assumptions and refining recommendations.
Our ‘policy data scientists’ are channelling policy and technical know-how into ongoing projects across the Group to acquire new insights. Far from removing the human insight, we use the technology to enhance – not replace – critical thinking among our analysts to our most senior evaluators. I like to say that we are getting control of a body of knowledge; this allows us to generate new insights. In our foresight policy work, for example, we can exploit a wealth of accurate, credible historical data to predict future trends.
Responsible AI: the anchor of our strategic approach
The sectors in which we work, and the broader dynamics of society, are changing in step with technological shifts. Our R&D pipeline will continue to expand over time in line with the demands of the market and policy frameworks where we operate. However, this can be difficult when a new LLM is emerging every few months or policy discussions on regulations evolve.
This is why we are taking concerted measures to be agile and overcome potential challenges associated with technological roll-out.
- Investment in responsible use/application of AI
Our investment in AI is not just financial. What do I mean by this? AI systems are never imposed or used in isolation. When it comes to investing in AI technology and processes, human intelligence and critical thinking are invaluable to stress test data-driven assumptions and frame prompts. Without this, we would not be able to generate high-quality insights. When it comes to scaling uptake, we also feel responsible and accountable to society for ensuring a sustainable future.
- AI governance and quality assurance
Technopolis Group has an internal policy for using AI, which is based on principles for the responsible use of AI (e.g. transparency, accountability). Launched two years ago, these guidelines are routinely reviewed, updated and refined and circulated across teams. From junior to senior staff, this policy is intended to help them maintain transparency and ensure quality in their daily work.
We also have a Quality Check process in place to monitor the use of AI-based solutions in our projects and methodologies are transparent and ethical. This feedback loop reinforces AI governance and quality assurance.
- Digital know-how flows across teams
Among staff, there are bound to be different perceptions about AI technology and the presumed complexity of the tools. Internal communication is critical to bridge these gaps and ensure everyone is comfortable and capable of using AI tools responsibly.
At Technopolis Group, knowledge about AI flows across offices in different ways. We have various knowledge exchange activities, trainings and seminars across offices. These moments are for showcasing use cases and even demystifying ‘prompt engineering’ and other jargon. It is also important to explain the limitations of the technology.
Leading with a critical eye on the future
This is our AI journey so far. As a company, we have a commitment to our teams and our clients to innovate and expand, not only to keep up with market trends but also be strategically positioned to continue to resolve new questions. Supported by in-house tools and policy data scientists, we are able to process massive amounts of policy documentation and stakeholder consultations at unprecedented scale and speed.
Technopolis Group is not the only company facing this; we recognise that we are part of a larger, more complex landscape. We will have to continue to reevaluate our approach and make strategic choices around AI going forward. Whatever happens, we will continue to push our policy experts and our critical thinking approach.
We are following the evolving, complex AI discourse as it unfolds. Get the latest insights from our experts on the age of AI: