The current debate surrounding artificial intelligence in particular shows how quickly the focus falls solely on what is technically feasible and how easily the central question is lost sight of: For whom and for what purpose should a solution be developed? Or more specifically: “First understand what value is to be created, then determine the requirements for the technology.”This is precisely where developers, innovators, managers, and decision-makers have a key lever at their disposal. Even without in-depth technological expertise, it is possible to gain orientation. The HPI AI Business Navigator provides a clear framework for this.
The focus is not primarily on the technology, but on the product or service that is to be designed with it. For whom should concrete value be created? This perspective can also be applied to internal processes: Who benefits? What is the purpose of the process? This is followed by a look at the business model – with questions about the value proposition, users and their accessibility, costs and revenue streams. Even teams that do not appear to be directly involved in the business model at first glance can make a contribution here. Leadership means assessing how the use of a technology can change and improve this contribution.
Leadership also means creating space for these fundamental questions – before discussions descend into a hasty “pros and cons of technology” debate.
On the path to a concrete technology solution, there are two further areas to consider: First, the skills – i.e., the technical literacy required to use technologies such as AI sensibly and responsibly. What is already available? What do we need to learn, build, or purchase externally? Second, there is the question of ethics and compliance. This refers not only to formal requirements such as data protection, but also to the social impact of the data with which a system works – as anyone who has ever been confronted with biased or overly simplistic responses from AI knows.
Only once these areas have been thoroughly considered should the focus shift to technological decisions: the appropriate data infrastructure, algorithms, systems, data sources, and the operation of the technology. The HPI AI Business Navigator makes these eight building blocks of an AI-supported scenario visible with the help of a canvas and targeted questions. The tool was developed at the HPI d-school by Flavia Bleuel, Prof. Dr. Ralf Herbrich, Prof. Dr. Gerard de Melo, Robin Mehra, and Prof. Dr. Falk Uebernickel at the Hasso Plattner Institute. The white paper is now available for download.
In an interview, we talk to Prof. Dr. Gerard de Melo about the importance of an AI strategy for companies and organizations.
The article by Falk Uebernickel, Flavia Bleuel, and Ralf Herbrich in the 05/2025 issue of the magazine changement! provides even deeper insight: Using two examples from healthcare, it shows how AI can be systematically integrated.
Today, leadership needs one thing above all else: continuous learning. And this is best achieved through direct interaction. The Tech Leadership Conference 25 at HPI sets a new standard in this regard.
The workshops at the HPI d-school – Professional Development offer an even more intensive experience. Here, you can further develop your role – and that of your organization in our workshops.
