Comparing Artificial Intelligence and Genetic Engineering: Commercialization Lessons

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly leaving its academic home and moving into the marketplace. There are few precedents for an arcane academic subject becoming commercialized so rapidly. But, genetic engineering, which recently burst forth from academia to become the foundation for the hot new biotechnology industry, provides useful insights into the rites of passage awaiting the commercialization of artificial intelligence. This article examines the structural similarities and dissimilarities in the two subjects and briefly summarizes the history of the commercialization of genetic engineering. It then proposes some lessons that would benefit the artificial intelligence industry.