Create tools and services to solve a problem, don't put the cart before the horse

I recently watched a video about the low rate of generative AI use in Japan, compared to the U.S. and China.

 

Japan wants AI. Many people aren’t convinced.

 

My own thoughts about the low rate of generative AI use is that, generative AI is a tool, a service. In the past, we invented tools and services to solve problems that we faced, to help us address specific issues. We didn't invent knives, then thought about what to cut with them. We needed to cut things, and so we invented knives.

 

This still holds true today. The reason why people use tools and services is because they solve specific issues that those people faced. If companies provide generative AI tools and services that addresses such needs, people will use them. Therefore, a government goal of "increase generative AI use to 80%" is pointless if you are just trying to ask people to use generative AI more. Such a goal should be about providing assistance to companies to develop tools and services that people need. When they can address a need, when they can supply something to meet a demand, there will be a market, there will be users.

 

Developing a service and hoping people will adopt it is not a transformative idea; it is taking a gamble. And for the many AI companies out there who took that gamble, I think it is only right that we leave them with the risks, instead of trying to provide public funds as assistance. After all, these companies are the ones winning big if their gambles pay off. Providing a safety net to risk-taking is not conducive to transformative ideas; rather, it breeds complacency because companies know they bear less risk, and therefore can be less meticulous.

 

Hopefully, the AI companies can come up AI services that meet actual needs, rather than just hoping that consumers will find a use for something that they invented.