RESEARCHERS argue that people's perceptions of reality shape their adoption of technology.
The excitement and confusion surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) highlight the importance of underlying assumptions, meanings and expectations about the adoption of this important technology.
These interpretations significantly impact AI adoption, making a clear framework crucial for any organisation or country navigating this process.
Do you think Zimbabwe is adopting AI well? The answer hinges on whether you know the framework that the country is using to guide its AI journey.
What is a framework?
In the context of technology adoption, a framework is a structured approach that guides the introduction of a new technology. It acts as a plan, outlining the essential steps, considerations and best practices to ensure successful integration.
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Think about building a house. You would not just randomly put up walls and a roof.
A blueprint, which acts as a framework, describes the different stages of construction, the materials needed and the order in which things should be built.
Similarly, a technology adoption framework provides a roadmap for the effective use of the new technology. AI is a hot topic, and many countries are scrambling to adopt it and Zimbabwe has also made some inroads.
As a country we have shifted from questioning “should we adopt AI?” to “are we adopting AI the right way?”
This series delves into this crucial question and as a Member of Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on ICT, I have observed numerous efforts by both the public and private sectors to create and adopt AI solutions.
The troubling aspect is that these efforts lack a guiding framework or a dedicated AI plan. As explained earlier, the absence of a framework hinders strategic AI adoption. This has hampered many African countries in the past when adopting technologies.
We often rely on foreign frameworks, leading to limited benefits from these technologies.
China's New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Plan (AIDP), announced in 2017, serves as a powerful case study for the importance of a national AI plan.
This ambitious plan outlined China's goal to become the global leader in AI by 2030, create a trillion-yuan AI industry, and shape ethical norms for AI development. The AIDP provided a long-term vision, fostering domestic AI research, talent development and public-private collaboration.
Looking back, it is undeniable that this strategic approach has positioned China as a leading force in AI.
Global race for AI supremacy
AI has emerged as a new battleground for international competition, with nations recognising its potential to drive economic prosperity and national security.
Developed countries are prioritising AI development to boost competitiveness, accelerate their economic growth and national security. Many developing countries have also joined the race and are intensifying their implementation plans and strategies for this core technology. Key areas of focus for developing countries include infrastructural development, research and development, talent development and establishing regulatory frameworks.
Zimbabwe's call to action
Looking at the global landscape, it is clear that Zimbabwe needs to elevate AI development to a national strategic level. To compete and thrive in the future, a comprehensive framework for AI adoption is critical.
Pillars of a successful AI framework
As mentioned earlier, a successful AI adoption framework should possess the following characteristics:
Provide structure: Break down the AI adoption process into smaller, manageable steps, making it less daunting and more achievable.
Identify key considerations: Focus on crucial considerations throughout the process, such as infrastructure requirements, human resource needs and potential risks.
Integrate best practices: Incorporate existing global best practices and lessons learned from previous technology implementations.
Adaptable: Be flexible enough to be tailored to Zimbabwe's specific needs and context.
Charting the course
This series will delve into a comprehensive framework for advancing AI in Zimbabwe. We wll define key steps across various domains to ensure the effective integration and responsible deployment of AI technologies. Our goal is to equip key stakeholders with valuable insights into Zimbabwe's AI readiness and potential hurdles. This will lay the foundation for informed decision-making and strategic planning concerning AI development in Zimbabwe.
- Darlington Chigumbu is a Member of Parliament for Budiriro South constituency and a member of parliamentary Portfolio Committee on ICT. He is a qualified IT practitioner with interests in software development and artificial intelligence adoption. He is contactable on dchigumbu07@gmail.com or visit his website www.dchigumbu.co.zw