Skills application
Instruction and application
CompleteBuilding your ML/AI horizon scanning strategy: Your first 360° scan
In this skills application, you will conduct a comprehensive horizon scanning exercise across all four key dimensions of ML/AI development using a structured approach.
Learning this skill brings value to the workplace by helping businesses to anticipate trends, mitigate risks and seize opportunities in a rapidly evolving field like ML/AI.
Context
Horizon scanning in ML/AI requires monitoring developments across multiple domains. In this activity, you'll practise conducting a complete scan across academia, industry, regulation and startups using a standardised template. This will help you develop a systematic approach to staying informed about emerging ML/AI trends and developments.
Instructions and materials
Conduct a comprehensive horizon scanning exercise across all four key dimensions of ML/AI development using a structured approach. To complete the skills application, follow the steps below.
1. Review the template.
Review the Horizon Scanning Template form at the bottom of the page. The template captures key developments across Academic research, Industry implementation, Regulatory landscape, and Startup innovation.
2. Complete a horizon scanning exercise.
Using the ML/AI developments digest below:
- Scan through developments in each domain.
- Record key findings in the template form.
- Flag high-impact developments.
3. Reflect on findings.
Reflect on your findings and make notes in the templated form, being sure to:
- Identify connections between dimensions.
- Note potential impact on your organisation.
Materials
Digest Summary: Recent ML/AI Advancements
Recent advancements in AI and ML encompass significant strides in reinforcement learning, the integration of AI across various industries, and the emergence of ethical considerations. Notably, pioneers in reinforcement learning have been recognized with the Turing Award, highlighting the importance of this area in modern AI applications.
Academic Research:
- Reinforcement Learning Recognition: Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton awarded the Turing Award.
- AI in Proteomics: Researchers leveraging AI to enhance the study of proteins (e.g. UK Biobank).Industry Trends:
- AI in Finance: Major financial institutions integrating AI for predictive modeling and risk management.
- Algorithmic Advancements: Transformers, Federated Learning gaining widespread adoption.
Best practices
- Horizon scanning isn’t just about confirming what you already know — it’s about spotting weak signals andemerging trends that could disrupt or enhance the AI/ML landscape.
- Set Up Alerts: Follow AI news, journals, and tech reports.
- Engage with Experts: Attend AI conferences and forums.
- Monitor Policy Changes: Stay ahead of regulations impacting AI.
What specific area of AI/ML are you scanning for? What is your primary goal and time frame (short, medium, or long term)?
What are the latest breakthroughs? Are there emerging subfields like neurosymbolic AI?
What new advancements are major tech companies developing (e.g. Generative AI, Edge AI, AutoML)?
Are there any new regulations (e.g. AI Act)? How are bias and accountability being addressed?
Which startups are gaining attention? What are the notable funding trends?
What opportunities does AI/ML present for your organisation? What are the biggest risks?