Saudi Arabia is one of the top countries in the world in terms of having an advanced strategy and readiness for artificial intelligence (AI) integration, according to a new report by Cisco. The report, titled “AI Readiness Index in Saudi Arabia”, surveyed over 8,000 companies across 30 countries and found that 93% of Saudi organizations have an AI strategy in place or under development, while only 8% consider themselves fully prepared to deploy and leverage AI.
AI is a powerful technology that can transform various aspects of business and society, such as productivity, efficiency, innovation, customer experience, and social impact. AI can also help address some of the key challenges and opportunities that Saudi Arabia faces, such as diversifying the economy, improving the healthcare sector, and advancing the digital transformation.
However, AI integration also comes with some challenges and risks, such as the lack of infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. These factors can affect the readiness and maturity of organizations to adopt and benefit from AI. Therefore, having a clear and comprehensive AI strategy is essential to overcome these barriers and achieve the desired outcomes.
The Key Findings and Recommendations of the Report
The report by Cisco assessed the AI readiness of Saudi organizations based on six dimensions: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. The report also compared the results with the global and regional averages and provided some recommendations and best practices for improving the AI readiness.
Some of the key findings and recommendations of the report are:
- Strategy: 93% of Saudi organizations have an AI strategy in place or under development, compared to 77% globally and 82% regionally. However, only 8% of Saudi organizations consider themselves fully prepared to deploy and leverage AI, compared to 11% globally and 10% regionally. The report recommends that Saudi organizations should align their AI strategy with their business objectives and priorities, and monitor and measure the impact and value of AI initiatives.
- Infrastructure: 84% of Saudi organizations have invested or plan to invest in AI infrastructure, compared to 74% globally and 78% regionally. However, only 17% of Saudi organizations have a robust and scalable AI infrastructure, compared to 21% globally and 19% regionally. The report recommends that Saudi organizations should upgrade and optimize their IT infrastructure to support the complex and dynamic AI processes, and leverage the cloud and edge computing to enhance the performance and security of AI applications.
- Data: 86% of Saudi organizations have access to sufficient and relevant data for AI, compared to 75% globally and 80% regionally. However, only 18% of Saudi organizations have a high-quality and consistent data, compared to 23% globally and 21% regionally. The report recommends that Saudi organizations should improve their data management and governance practices, and ensure the availability, accuracy, and integrity of data for AI.
- Governance: 81% of Saudi organizations have established or plan to establish an AI governance framework, compared to 69% globally and 74% regionally. However, only 15% of Saudi organizations have a comprehensive and effective AI governance framework, compared to 19% globally and 17% regionally. The report recommends that Saudi organizations should develop and implement a clear and consistent AI governance framework, and address the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI.
- Talent: 82% of Saudi organizations have invested or plan to invest in AI talent development, compared to 71% globally and 76% regionally. However, only 31% of Saudi organizations have a sufficient and skilled AI talent pool, compared to 37% globally and 34% regionally. The report recommends that Saudi organizations should attract and retain the best AI talent, and provide them with continuous training and education opportunities, and create a stimulating and rewarding work environment.
- Culture: 88% of Saudi organizations have a positive and supportive culture for AI, compared to 79% globally and 83% regionally. However, only 28% of Saudi organizations have a strong and pervasive culture for AI, compared to 33% globally and 30% regionally. The report recommends that Saudi organizations should foster a culture of collaboration and innovation for AI, and engage and empower their employees and customers with AI.
The Role and Support of Cisco in AI Readiness
Cisco is a global leader in the fields of technology and innovation, and has been supporting and enabling the AI readiness and maturity of organizations around the world. Cisco offers a wide range of products and services that can help organizations to build and optimize their AI infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture. Cisco also provides various resources and platforms for learning and sharing the best practices and experiences in AI.
Cisco is also committed to supporting and partnering with the Saudi government and institutions, and aligning its operations with the Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy, improve the healthcare sector, and promote innovation and digitalization. Cisco believes that Saudi Arabia has a great potential and ambition for AI, and wants to be a part of its transformation and progress.
