The Three Steps SAP Organisations Must Take for AI Success
With many organisations seeking to move from AI experimentation to production, IDC has dubbed 2026 the Year of Agentic AI. BCG expects corporations to double their AI spending this year in the hunt for measurable returns. This demonstrates how AI has rapidly evolved from a “nice to have” to a core business capability.
AI is also front and centre of SAP’s product strategy. But many questions remain around how SAP organisations can transform AI tools into meaningful outcomes. So, what steps can you take to create greater value from AI? We’ve delved into the SUGTalks podcast archives to share some words of wisdom from our recent guests.
Foster a Pro-AI Culture
Mark Raben, former SAP EMEA CTO
While bringing the latest shiny tool onboard is an attractive prospect for every organisation, they can’t just focus on technology. Crucially, the changes AI brings to processes and the way people work are so fundamental that organisations must also focus on adapting human behaviours. They must also embed trust for AI systems and create a culture which embraces transformation programmes.
In this podcast, Mark explains how structure alone isn’t enough for successful AI projects, as well as how leaders can reduce employee anxiety by being transparent about the goals of these projects.
Having one eye on your organisation’s culture – and AI’s potential impact on it – is a necessary requirement for project success.
Identify the Correct Tasks for AI to Solve
Sonia Nash, Head of Business AI, SAP UK&I
Given the wide availability of AI tools and capabilities, it’s easy for organisations to try and apply AI to every part of their operations. But such a scattergun approach rarely works, meaning AI investments are perceived as a bust.
In this podcast, Sonia touches on the questions organisations must consider before starting any AI project. Crucially, she addresses the decision organisations must take on whether a project requires AI or not. This requires open discussions so that technology leaders are given the opportunity to advocate for the value of AI within a given function or product, and how AI can be used to re-engineer existing processes.
Without clear applications and goals, AI projects risk becoming too generalist and unclear in their goals, meaning they will never be successful.
Align New Tech to Service Outcomes
Emel Morris, CIO at Central Bedfordshire Council
With the UK Government announcing a £2.5 billion funding boost to secure the UK’s position as a world leader in AI and quantum, the role of technology in the public sector has become a growing focus.
In this podcast, Emel discusses how Central Bedfordshire Council is using AI to improve its services and outcomes for its citizens. A crucial part of the AI programme Emel oversees is ensuring that inclusion is always embedded. This helps Central Bedfordshire Council to deliver rapid, data-driven outcomes for its citizens, which are always equitable.
The importance of a service- and outcome-led approach to AI projects cannot be overstated, particularly for AI projects across large, diverse organisations.
Explore the full SUGTalks series to hear directly from SAP leaders navigating this journey, and start building an AI strategy that delivers lasting impact.
