AI consulting: Nature of work, challenges and overcoming challenges

Abstract

Artificial intelligence offers businesses significant opportunities. To derive value from artificial intelligence, it can be useful for companies to seek the help of consultants who specialize in artificial intelligence. Despite the growing importance of AI consulting there has been very little previous research about it. At the same time, previous research about artificial intelligence projects has highlighted that their failure rates are significant and that a variety of reasons can lead to project failures.

Based on the recognized need for research about artificial intelligence consulting, this study aimed to establish a broad overview of what the work of AI consultants entails. Additionally, this study highlights challenges AI consultants encounter as part of their work with clients. Related to the challenges, this study also discusses the methods AI consultants use for overcoming the challenges.

Data collection for this study was conducted with semi-structured interviews. Data analysis conducted as part of this research highlighted that it is useful to view AI consulting as consisting of two types of consulting: one in which delivering an AI software solution to the client is the focal point of the engagement and one in which software solution is not delivered, but the focus is rather on delivering AI expertise via, for example, mentoring. The study also established that AI consultants encounter a wide variety of challenges as part of their work. To overcome those, AI consultants need to often address knowledge boundaries and differing technological frames between them and their clients and among their clients. As part of this study an integrated framework for effective communication and collaboration in AI consulting was developed.