The success of ChatGPT has been both a blessing and curse for technology leaders. On one hand, it has opened up the world’s eyes to the seemingly unlimited potential of generative AI, increased investment to underfunded R&D teams and propelled technology to the top of the boardroom agenda. On the other, it has knocked other important AI and technology projects off course, syphoned resources from elsewhere to fuel a desperate game of competitor catch-up, and potentially created a massive compliance timebomb that could go off at any time.
In short, ChatGPT has become a distraction. Most forward looking and innovative businesses were already experimenting or implementing with AI, often to great success. The issue is that a lot of AI innovation isn’t always very obvious or sexy. Automating and optimizing a vital but mundane process may improve operational efficiency and contribute to the bottom line, but it’s unlikely to grab headlines in the same way as a language model capable of credible performance on a difficult exam.
