1. SFBB Exploitation Project 26.09.2017
Horizon Scanning AI and automation: Examining the future implications for business and employment in Wales
SFBB Exploitation Project

2. Overview of the issue:
AI and automation are receiving are widely discussed as key technologies
Statements on their implications for business and society are increasingly being made
General hype and the lack of clarity on whether such technologies are appropriate for SMEs makes it difficult for businesses to respond

3. ‘Machines performing human-like cognitive functions’
(OECD, 2017)
Robotics has introduced the possibility of AI replicating physical or behavioural capabilities.
But current technologies are ‘narrow’ in focus – e.g. structuring the range of responses to questions in advance
Someway before Artificial General Intelligence applications are ready for use

4. AI and the customer interface
Rapid area of development, drawing on huge customer datasets
Offers the potential for the front end customer queries to be automated
Chatbots are becoming more readily available:
Including off the shelf and custom made
Evidence of mainstream business applications adopting AI

5. Scale of impact: Impact likely to depend on:
Presence of sectors with the potential to be automated by AI
Capacity of businesses in Wales to absorb AI technologies
Propensity of entrepreneurs / new business starts to replace sectors
Number of jobs and tasks that have the potential to be automated by AI.

6. Implications for WG and business support:
Rapidly developing area – subject to debate
Evidence of national and regional strategies
Growing interest / hype likely to be reflected in business queries and questions
Role to give balanced, realistic information to business