The Crown Estate, the corporate body responsible for managing hereditary possessions of the British Sovereign held ‘in right of the Crown’, wants to organize employees’ artificial intelligence (AI) training. According to media reports, the AI for Business Value course will train those within the organization on using AI to improve the business.
It is the latest instance of organizations, including traditional-oriented ones, embracing AI to improve their operations. This does not come as a surprise, given that the Estate has a portfolio worth 16 billion British pounds.
AI training to focus on improving business value gains
According to the press statement, the training program, which will last for 13 months, focuses on improving the digital capacities of the organization’s employees. Through it, they will learn how to use AI and machine learning to identify and execute ideas that will improve business value.
Aruj Haider, the head of digital emerging technology and innovation at the Estate, said the organization’s AI strategy is focused on helping participants develop skills, behaviors, and mindsets to use technology effectively. She added that AI can boost productivity within the organization.
She explained:
“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 organizational journey.”
Meanwhile, part of the training will focus on using AI tools for property management, administration, marine planning, and urban design. This aligns with the organization’s core business focus.
The Crown Estate is one of the biggest property managers in the UK, with urban properties and rural lands in its portfolio. It also manages several UK marine resources, making it a key player in the UK offshore wind sector. Unsurprisingly, one of its goals for AI applications is to use it to reduce emissions, manage the country’s biodiversity, and achieve net-zero objectives.
More Companies incorporate AI into operations
This planned training aligns with the recent trend among corporate organizations as they look to AI as a potential tool to transform their business. With the massive development in generative AI technologies over the last two years, more companies are finding ways to integrate them into their business.
According to the company organizing the training, Multiverse, the Crown Estate program recognizes the importance of AI for innovation within its organization. The company’s Chief learning officer, Gary Eimerman, said:
“The Crown Estate has recognized the potential of AI to upscale innovation and increase efficiencies across its portfolio.”
Meanwhile, recognizing AI’s importance has led to a higher demand for AI-focused training by employers and employees. A KPMG survey revealed that 61% of employees in the UK want generative AI training. Another report from the World Economic Forum shows that almost two-thirds of companies consider AI and Big data the priority for employee training.
Even the government recognizes the importance of AI for businesses. The UK government has initiated a pilot scheme for an AI Upskilling fund for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Under this program, the government will match funding for AI skills training for SME employees.
