AI is exciting, we all know it. The limitless potential of AI futures is an agenda item for leaders of corporations, institutions, and organizations across the country. Yet, many still struggle to get the value they expected out of AI tools—usually, quite simply, because their teams aren’t using them.
Here at Pioneer, we have been on our own AI adoption journey and have gained valuable insights through our internal initiatives (aided by some old college notebooks). Our conclusion? Despite the newness of AI, the factors that increase adoption are the same as those that have accelerated every other major technological advancement.
My collegiate tech strategy professor, Mary Benner, broke it down into these five adoption accelerators (She in turn credits Everett Rodgers Everett Rogers for the original framework):
Relative Advantage – Are the benefits versus costs greater than the next best option?
Compatibility – Are switching costs high because of change?
Complexity – Are switching costs high because of learning?
Trialability – Can you experiment with the product?
Observability – Can you see others benefiting from the product?
Moving the needle on these accelerators naturally and sustainably drives adoption. Below, we explore a pragmatic approach to leveraging these accelerators to promote internal AI use. You may be surprised at how a few simple activities can inspire change quickly and sustainably.
| Accelerator | Recommended Activity |
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Find the right product for your needs. An ounce of research is worth a pound of blind investment. With the flood of AI tools, there is likely a very specific, targeted tool for your needs. |
 Compatibility |
Choose a tool that fits your existing systems. For example, Microsoft Copilot is ideal if your team is already comfortable with MS 365. |
 Complexity |
Create or invest in learning resources that quickly provide the best use cases and most helpful tips. It’s better to have a few concrete tips than a thousand abstract ones. |
 Trial-ability |
Encourage experimentation. Incentivize your team and provide a space for them to explore. The more your team “plays” with the tools, the more value they will uncover. |
 Observability |
Build a culture of sharing “hacks” and “wins.” Consider setting up a Slack channel for AI discoveries or holding weekly meetings to share insights. |
Relative Advantage
The Path to Successful Adoption
Adoption takes work. It’s not as simple as buying tools and handing out logins. However, it doesn’t need to be intimidating. There is academic and historical precedence for these accelerators, and enabling them through simple, intentional activities will go a long way in helping you realize the full potential of your AI tools.
If you want to know more about how far along your firm is on the adoption curve, take a look at our AI Maturity Assessment.
Pioneer's AI Journey
At Pioneer, we take pride in how our teams have embraced AI tools and in leveraging the best available technology for our clients. We recently underwent our own integration of Microsoft Copilot. After months of limited adoption, we took an intentional approach, utilizing these accelerators in a structured method—and saw the great results below.
We would love to connect to learn more about your AI journey and learn how we can partner with you! Connect with our team today