Leaders are increasingly preparing their organizations for the latest AI technology. The problem? They aren’t ready and struggle to implement and show ROI.
Despite widespread recognition of AI’s potential, a critical trust gap has emerged in the enterprise landscape. A report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) reveals that 74% of companies are failing to scale meaningful value from their AI initiatives, highlighting a fundamental disconnect between AI investment and measurable business outcomes. Another recent report from MIT stated that 95% of generative AI pilots are falling flat in driving rapid revenue growth.
While interest in GenAI and autonomous systems is rapidly increasing, only a few organizations are laying the necessary foundations to scale AI effectively and responsibly. The majority are diving in without a comprehensive plan, lacking the essential foundation, governance and cross-functional collaboration needed to make AI work.
Enter the AI blueprint and SAS. The AI blueprint was designed to help guide strategy and align technology. It outlines the groundwork in building trust, applying AI thoughtfully across people, processes and technology and strategically using tools like SAS® Viya® to solidify that foundation.
We sat down with Manisha Khanna, Product Marketing Lead for AI and Emerging Tech at SAS. She continues to share vision and guidelines for leaders in the private and public sectors. “To scale AI effectively,” Khanna said, “leaders must have a blueprint. It ensures that all components of the AI journey – data, models, teams and governance – work together seamlessly. A well-defined strategy that prioritizes productivity, performance and trust is critical.”
Khanna architects a blueprint that aligns vision with strategy, helping organizations implement AI initiatives that are not only scalable but also trusted.
Q: What is the AI blueprint?
Khanna: The AI blueprint is a comprehensive framework designed to guide organizations in the development and implementation of AI technologies, including emerging technologies like synthetic data, agentic AI and quantum AI. It outlines the essential components and strategies needed to integrate AI into various organizational processes with greater success and less risk.
The number one executive concern is how AI can be implemented with confidence and measurable ROI. This blueprint answers that question comprehensively.
The AI blueprint: A leader's guide for organizational trust and ROI during rapid change
Q: What are the core components of the AI blueprint?
Khanna: The core components of the AI blueprint include subcategories for technology, processes and people. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of AI systems leading to proven ROI.
The core components of the AI blueprint include subcategories for technology, processes and people. Each component plays a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of AI systems leading to proven ROI. Manisha Khanna
Q: How can organizations implement the AI blueprint?
Khanna: Organizations can implement the AI blueprint by following a structured approach that includes assessing their current capabilities, defining clear objectives, investing in the necessary technology and talent, while continuously monitoring and refining their AI initiatives.
Q: What are the future prospects of the AI blueprint?
Khanna: As AI technology continues to evolve, the framework will adapt to incorporate new advancements and best practices. That is key to the blueprint and the SAS Viya platform. It is adaptive and resilient to the rapid changes in tech. This will enable organizations to stay ahead of the curve and maximize the benefits of AI.
