Generative AI brings an enormous field of potential applications linked to entertainment and artistic creativity, for example. But artificial intelligence is also a significant vector of technological development for many companies. Thanks to AI and the steady growth of different connectivity strategies, many processes related to automation, manufacturing and distribution, logistics and customer service, as well as PR – to name just a few – could be profoundly transformed for the better.

Not surprisingly, according to Stanford University’s 2024 AI Index Report, 55% of firms worldwide are already implementing some form of a generative artificial intelligence model in their day-to-day operations. Nor should it be a shock to learn that investments in this technology have already topped $25 billion globally, according to the same source. As such, it seems fairly clear that use of generative AI is more than just a passing fad. But how can companies make effective use of this valuable resource?

Strategy and use case: the key pillars of generative artificial intelligence in business

As with any other significant corporate resource, implementing AI in business processes requires long‑term planning and a clear strategy, particularly when it comes to understanding the steps to be taken and where you want to end up before setting off. Having a strategic overview that aligns with your organisation’s other objectives – and one that’s consistent with how the company operates – is vital.

But it’s also important to set out a good use case: what problem are you looking to solve by introducing generative artificial intelligence? Which processes will it improve in practical terms? Is there a cheaper or more effective way of overcoming the obstacle or making the improvements? If not, what are you expecting artificial intelligence to achieve? Are there any precedents that could be used as a guide? How much does the engine or module you want to implement actually cost? The answers to these questions (and plenty more besides) will help you determine which tool is best, what results you can expect, in what kind of time frames, etc.

How to pay for introducing artificial intelligence?

An undertaking like this, with such a strategic focus, can’t be taken lightly from a financial point of view. Unless you run a company that dominates the market – or has huge reserves of cash – it’s always wise to use external money or, at the very least, to obtain some form of public funding for this specific purpose. The Spanish government, for example, is currently tendering specifically for artificial intelligence proposals. The initiative seeks to achieve two things: firstly, that Spain’s medium-sized companies integrate generative AI within their internal operating processes.

Secondly, that these companies benefit from expert consultancy before introducing generative AI to ensure they’re implementing the right solutions for them. To do so, grants are being issued as part of two programmes: Consultancy Kits, where companies receive a detailed AI consultancy report; and Digital Kits, the part of the programme that funds the introduction of generative AI into their internal processes. Companies will also be able to access an AI platform over the course of a year.

The most interesting aspect of the project is how grants cover 100% of the costs of both services, so beneficiary companies won’t have to pay a penny. In order to access this financial support, companies must have employed between 50 and 250 people over the past 12 months and have a turnover of less than €50 million in at least one of the past two years. Companies that have between 10 and 49 employees can also benefit, so long as they have a turnover of over €10 million.