By Joel Carusone, SVP of Data and AI at NinjaOne

Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2021, generative AI has steadily evolved. Each year, the industry has shifted as we learn AI's benefits, risks, and use cases. In 2024, it was all about productivity - with many organizations using AI to help address IT skills gaps and developers leveraging it to augment software development. AI has helped us speed up mundane tasks across every area of the business.   

However, in 2025, AI will no longer be an "emerging" technology reserved for exploratory use. It will be a fundamental part of corporate strategy. This integration of AI into business operations will dramatically reshape the way business is done.

Not only will companies look to stay ahead of the innovation curve, but as they integrate AI into more business practices, leaders need to consider the risks it creates. This focus on risk will not only change how IT departments are thinking about AI, but conversations with and directives from the board about AI will also evolve to ensure businesses are prepared and secure. With AI positioned to transform businesses in 2025, here are the AI trends I predict we will see in the next year.

Boards will need an AI expert. In 2025, organizations will ensure at least one person on their executive board is familiar with complex AI topics. LLMs, generative AI advances are complicated topics. And you need at least one expert in the room with intimate knowledge of the technology to answer, "What happens to the business when AI goes sideways?" Especially as AI regulations become more firmly outlined and enforced, we'll see more organizations opt for a Board model that accounts for AI expertise for businesses' own longevity and the sake of customers' security.

CIOs will be held accountable when AI failings occur. In 2025, as AI innovation and exploration continues, it will be the senior-most IT leader (often a CIO) who is held responsible for any AI shortcomings inside their organization. As new AI companies appear that explore a variety of complex and potentially groundbreaking use cases, some are operating with little structure in place and have outlined loose privacy and security policies. While this enables organizations to innovate and grow faster, it also exposes them to added confidentiality and data security risks. Ultimately, there needs to be a single leader on the hook when AI fails the business. To mitigate potential AI risks, CIOs or IT leaders must work closely on internal AI implementations or trials to understand their impact before any failings or misuse can occur.

AI funding crunch will accelerate M&A. In 2025, we'll see more consolidation in the AI market. AI organizations require immense resources to sustain innovation and manage infrastructure. It's expensive to be an AI organization today. In order to continue growing at this expedited clip we're seeing, AI companies will be fundraising over the next 18 months. Some will succeed in raising capital. Others will be consumed by larger players via M&A.

We are entering a critical phase where the AI market will redefine industry standards. Those who embrace these changes thoughtfully and responsibly will lead the way, while others may find themselves left behind or at risk of facing significant operational and reputational consequences.

The organizations that successfully integrate AI governance into their strategic frameworks will be better equipped to handle the complexities and risks posed by rapidly advancing technologies. These companies will also be at the forefront of integrating AI into their boardroom conversations and partnering with CIOs and other senior IT leaders to ensure their AI developments and practices are successful.

Organizations that can proactively anticipate and adapt to these shifts - by strengthening their AI risk management frameworks, addressing regulatory concerns, and positioning themselves in the evolving market - will not only survive, but thrive in the years to come.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joel Carusone is the Senior Vice President of Data and Artificial Intelligence at NinjaOne. A proven technical leader with an aptitude for innovation and success, Joel's primary responsibility is to oversee research, development, and deployment of secure AI technology practices inside NinjaOne. Prior to NinjaOne, Carusone served as Chief Technology Officer at Zeno Technologies, where he oversaw product innovation and development for the energy-focused software development company. Before that, he was CEO of Radius Intelligence, an enterprise data platform company acquired by SoftBank-backed Kabbage, which in 2019 became part of American Express. Carusone holds degrees in biology and information sciences from Syracuse University.