Why AI intentionality is essential for technology companies

It’s not enough for businesses to say “we use AI” as a catchall meant to solve every industry challenge or simply to keep up with the competition.

Integrating artificial intelligence into a company’s operations and services, in some form or another, is becoming a baseline need as the era of AI continues to evolve.

This doesn’t necessarily mean creating new systems from whole cloth—or rather, code. Many businesses in the technology sector aren’t fully leveraging the AI tools currently available to make their offerings more efficient for customers.

Being intentional with AI systems—and subsequently articulating that differentiation—is critical as tech companies look to maximize their financial resources and spend thoughtfully in a competitive market with limited available funding.

Shifting sentiments, new opportunities

Despite economic challenges in many sectors, financial conditions remain resilient in the American economy, and the RSM US Financial Conditions Index shows a moderate level of accommodation in the financial markets.

In this environment, businesses could shift their focus from plugging short-term holes to establishing fulsome, longer-term strategies.

That’s where leveraging AI can be the most beneficial. However, the funding landscape remains tenuous for tech companies, and most businesses that have had to streamline operations aren’t likely to go on a sudden hiring spree.

It’s critical for technology companies to understand what AI systems can and can’t solve. From an operational perspective, they can be helpful in ensuring internal efficiency and making the most out of available capital.

The notion of AI replacing jobs is being eclipsed by the concept that jobs can be repurposed to maximize the technology’s use. That approach signals a shift from viewing AI as a short-term stopgap to integrating it as part of a holistic, future-focused strategy.

Meeting customers’ high expectations is another opportunity to thoughtfully implement AI systems. Consumer sentiment can be fickle, so leveraging these systems in a way that appeals to clients’ needs is essential.

Redefining value

Then there are the systems themselves. Simply adding a chatbot and touting AI use is insufficient and trite, and increases the risk of relying on a short-term solution at the expense of thoughtful technological exploration.

But before weighing the costs of developing their own AI system, businesses may find that browsing the shelves is a better option—particularly as capital efficiency remains a priority.

For most businesses, creating and training a model from scratch remains quite expensive. Using readily available services or partnering with AI-specific developers is a more thoughtful approach—as long as businesses clearly define how these systems can support their efficiency and profitability goals.

When it comes to profitability, the long-standing measurement of revenue per employee is undergoing a shift for tech companies. Many companies are looking to downsize teams or have already done so—which can place undue pressure on employees. But incorporating AI systems with intentionality can help relieve that pressure and redefine value.

This shift in focus from selling more to increasing efficiency can be a fundamental step in ensuring a company’s overall growth. Employing this approach can also allow tech businesses to deal with internal redundancies while justifying longer-term strategic efforts.

A more nuanced market

The notion of intentionality extends beyond internal strategy amid a growing shift in external capital contribution. Venture capital firms are increasingly investigating the tech sector for opportunities. While this may lead to more targeted investments for higher value, it won’t necessarily equate to more deals overall. Dry powder may be ample at the moment, but its deployment will likely still hew toward a judicious approach amid wider economic tensions.

Technology companies should embrace the notion of differentiation by definition—articulating how you leverage AI systems can help set you apart in a highly competitive market.