At a Glance

Dive into the world of generative AI with Michael Cusumano, Sloan Management Review Distinguished Professor of Management and Deputy Dean for Faculty at the MIT Sloan School of Management. This video, based on Cusumano’s October 2023 column Generative AI as a New Innovation Platform in Communications of the ACM, puts generative AI into perspective as a significant player alongside other technologies that have reshaped industries.

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Cusumano structures his presentation to demystify generative AI, breaking it down into three layers:

  1. Foundational models and development tools
  2. Specialized infrastructure
  3. User and developer applications

He also critically addresses the potential risks of generative AI’s widespread adoption, from the concentration of market power to privacy concerns and the accuracy of AI-generated information. The video prompts viewers to consider the need for responsible development, ethical norms, and the technology’s environmental implications.

In a rapidly advancing digital world, this video serves as a call for a collective, thoughtful approach in harnessing the potential of generative AI. It underscores the significance of collaborative efforts among industry leaders, policymakers, and experts in steering this technology toward a beneficial and sustainable future.

Note: Some of the tools and company branding strategies mentioned in the video have evolved since we created this video.

  • OpenAI’s ChatGPT has been increasingly integrated with Microsoft Copilot, which replaced Bing AI across Windows and Microsoft 365 products.
  • Google rebranded Bard as Gemini in early 2024 and has since unified its AI efforts under the Gemini umbrella, incorporating DeepMind and tools like AlphaFold.
  • Meta continues to advance its open-source LLaMA models, with LLaMA 3 now powering several AI research and developer-facing tools.

These updates reflect a broader industry trend toward multimodal, assistant-style AI experiences embedded across ecosystems.