The Data Problem Stalling AI

The authors' research approach is based on a qualitative multiple-case-study design. The main research question focuses on understanding how organizations manage AI initiatives -- specifically, the process of moving AI from R&D, lablike settings into production. The authors performed semistructured interviews with key AI leaders and informants in six North American companies of different sizes and operating in different industries: three AI consultancies (of five to approximately 300 employees); one platform provider of AI and analytics for the internet of things (100 employees); one vendor of off-the-shelf solutions for sports analytics (100 employees); and one large financial institution (over 10,000 employees). The authors subsequently interviewed other AI professionals working in different contexts and presented them with their preliminary findings. They also discussed their findings with members of a leading consortium whose mission is to bridge the gap between academics and industrial partners in this context.