CASE STUDY growth and productivity and stewarding the UK ’ s natural environment and biodiversity .
With businesses predicting that almost half ( 44 %) of workers ’ core skills will be disrupted by 2027 , with AI widely reported to be a key disrupter , the training will also enhance the careers of apprentices who are enrolled , empowering them with the most in-demand skills in the economy today , and allowing them to act as champions for AI within the organisation .
Aruj Haider , Head of Digital Emerging Technology and Innovation , The Crown Estate , said : “ AI represents an enormous opportunity for us , that will increase our ability to effectively serve the country and give a huge boost to our efficiency and capability to achieve net zero and grow our productivity . This training will unlock our team ’ s ability to define the role AI will play in our organisational journey . Just as importantly , it gives our people access to some of the most in-demand skills in the workplace today .
“ At The Crown Estate , our AI strategy is geared towards developing the skills , mindsets and behaviours to use AI effectively within our organisation . This apprenticeship is a key marker on that journey , and I really look forward to seeing some of the plans and impacts participants make on this programme over the next 13 months .”
Multiverse is a new tech-first institution that combines work and learning to unlock economic opportunity for everyone . It works with more than 1,500 organisations to close critical skill gaps in the workforce in AI , data and tech , through a new kind of apprenticeship .
Gary Eimerman , Chief Learning Officer , Multiverse , said : “ The Crown Estate has recognised the potential of AI to upscale innovation and increase efficiencies across its portfolio . The skills development provided is empowering the Crown Estate team members to use emerging technology to achieve their aims ; while also enriching their career opportunities .”
We asked Aruj Haider , Head of Digital Emerging Technology and Innovation at The Crown Estate , further questions to find out more .
How does the AI for Business Value programme align with The Crown Estate ’ s broader Digital Transformation strategy , and what specific outcomes do you anticipate from upskilling employees in AI ?
The AI for Business Value Programme is integral to advancing The Crown Estate ’ s Digital Transformation journey , transitioning from foundational development to acceleration and leadership . Our digital strategy began by establishing robust data , cybersecurity and architecture foundations . Now , as we solidify these , the programme enables the next phase : accelerating digital capabilities and fostering leadership . The key outcome is to empower colleagues to independently apply AI to everyday challenges , democratising skills and fostering innovation . This transition is not just about central oversight but enabling staff across the organisation to use AI to solve real problems , driving our strategy forward .
In what ways do you foresee AI and Machine Learning enhancing The Crown Estate ’ s ability to deliver on its objectives related to net-zero , economic growth and stewardship of the UK ’ s natural environment ?
AI and Machine Learning are seen as critical to help The Crown Estate meet its strategic objectives , such as supporting the energy transition , fostering economic growth and enhancing stewardship of the UK ’ s natural environment . AI is not an end in itself but a means to address these challenges through small , value-driven initiatives . For instance , AI can streamline marine spatial planning , speeding up decision-making and improving environmental monitoring for better nature recovery . We are focusing on incremental projects that , if successful , can be scaled across the organisation , thereby enhancing both operational efficiency and decision-making speed .
What are the key challenges you anticipate in implementing AI-driven initiatives across diverse areas such as property management , urban design and marine planning , and how is the programme designed to address these challenges ?
Implementing AI across diverse areas such as property management , urban design and marine planning presents three main challenges : identifying the right starting point , building AI-ready platforms and fostering an innovation mindset . We address these by starting small with experiments and proofs of concept ( POCs ) that generate excitement and momentum . This approach allows us to expand successful initiatives while quickly halting those that don ’ t work . While foundational digital platforms are still being developed , we are pursuing a parallel strategy that accelerates AI use where possible . Cultivating an innovative culture within the organisation is key , encouraging a mindset open to testing , learning and adapting .
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