Accenture is making a bold move, announcing a staggering $3 billion investment in artificial intelligence (AI) over the course of three years in its Data & AI practice.
The goal? To propel clients from mere curiosity to tangible action and substantial growth, all while ensuring responsible implementation of AI.
This significant commitment underscores Accenture’s firm belief that organisations embracing AI now, during a time when the technology is mature and proven, will have a decisive advantage in reshaping their industries and achieving unparalleled performance.
“There is unprecedented interest in all areas of AI, and the substantial investment we are making in our Data & AI practice will help our clients move from interest to action to value, and in a responsible way with clear business cases,” said Julie Sweet, chairman and CEO, Accenture.
“Companies that build a strong foundation of AI by adopting and scaling it now, where the technology is mature and delivers clear value, will be better positioned to reinvent, compete and achieve new levels of performance. Our clients have complex environments, and at a time when the technology is changing rapidly, our deep understanding of ecosystem solutions allows us to help them navigate quickly and cost-effectively to make smart decisions.”
According to the company, the announcement encompasses a comprehensive range of investments intended to help companies develop the essential strategies, operating models, business cases, and digital core architecture required to capitalise on AI innovation.
Accenture’s ambitious plans include investments in assets, industry solutions, ventures, acquisitions, talent acquisition, and ecosystem partnerships. These efforts will enhance and expand the company’s expertise in diagnostic, predictive, and generative AI. The company also plans to double its AI talent pool to a staggering 80,000 professionals, employing a mix of hiring, acquisitions, and training initiatives.
The company also introduced AI Navigator for Enterprise, a platform leveraging generative AI capabilities to assist clients in defining business cases, making informed decisions, and navigating their AI journeys. The platform goes beyond mere guidance, offering valuable insights into choosing appropriate architectures, understanding algorithms and models, and ultimately driving value with a responsible AI approach. Building upon Accenture’s own endeavours, the platform also features assets specifically designed to accelerate responsible AI practices and compliance programs.
Furthermore, to expedite AI adoption and capitalise on generative AI’s potential, Accenture will create accelerators for data and AI readiness across 19 distinct industries.
“Over the next decade, AI will be a mega-trend, transforming industries, companies, and the way we live and work, as generative AI transforms 40 percent of all working hours,” said Paul Daugherty, group chief executive, Accenture Technology. “Our expanded Data & AI practice brings together the full power and breadth of Accenture in creating industry-specific solutions that will help our clients harness AI’s full potential to reshape their strategy, technology, and ways of working, driving innovation and value responsibly and faster than ever before.”
