Artificial Intelligence Affordances for Business Innovation: A Systematic Review of Literature

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) have begun to play an evermore important role in business innovation. The purpose of this paper is to review current literature to identify definitions and concepts related to artificial intelligence affordances and how artificial intelligence affords business innovation. Using a systematic six-step literature review methodology conducted with an iterative disposition, seven major affordances of AI for business innovation were identified, i.e. (i) Automate business processes, (ii) Customise end user interaction, (iii) Proactively anticipate and react to changes, (iv) Augment and upskill the workforce, (v) Assist decision making, (vi) Improve risk management, and (vii) Develop and enhance intellectual property. The literature surveyed furthermore shows that there are several gaps which allow for further research. Firstly, the definition of artificial intelligence is inconsistent and there is no widely accepted definition. Several AI-based technologies and applications being developed (e.g. Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing and Neural Networks) require a clear understanding of the affordances of such technologies to be able to make informed strategic decisions. Therefore, understanding the affordances of artificial intelligence in general plays an important role in making such decisions.