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Adopt-Adapt-Advance Framework

Where does the value lie?

A strategic model categorizing how organizations engage with AI. While Advancing gets the hype, most economic value lies in Adopting and Adapting.

arrow_upward Difficulty & Cost | Volume of Users arrow_downward

Adopt
touch_app

Adopt

The User Tier

info Definition

Deploying 'off-the-shelf' or ready-made AI solutions without modifying the underlying technology.

checklist Requirements
  • check_circle Robust digital infrastructure (electricity, internet).
  • check_circle Basic digital literacy.
  • check_circle No specialized AI engineers needed.
trending_up Strategic Value

Fastest and most cost-effective way to boost productivity. Captures 'consumer surplus' of existing tech.

lightbulb Example

"A hospital using standard diagnostic software, or a business using ChatGPT Enterprise for drafting emails."

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Trade-off Analysis

Adopt

Low Cost
  • payments
    Cost & Difficulty Low
  • engineering
    Primary Activity Procurement & Application
  • flag
    Goal Solve immediate practical problems.

Adapt

Moderate
  • payments
    Cost & Difficulty Moderate
  • engineering
    Primary Activity Fine-tuning & Engineering
  • flag
    Goal Make global tech work for local reality.

Advance

Very High
  • payments
    Cost & Difficulty Very High
  • engineering
    Primary Activity R&D, Core Engineering
  • flag
    Goal Push boundaries of what is possible.
lightbulb The Core Insight

Avoid the Resource Trap.

For most entities, trying to Advance is a trap. The smartest strategy is to build a wide base of Adoption to boost general productivity, while selectively investing in Adaptation where local needs cannot be met by off-the-shelf tools.