A Parallel to Literacy
A few centuries ago, society debated the need for widespread literacy. Back then, when many people were working in fields or tending livestock, the ability to read and write seemed unnecessary for most. The role of reading was confined to a select few — priests, monks, and other religious figures — who would interpret sacred texts for the masses. It wasn’t until much later that we realized a literate society could achieve far greater things.
Today, we are at a similar crossroads with artificial intelligence (AI). Much like literacy in the past, AI is concentrated in the hands of the few — highly skilled engineers in big tech companies. These companies build AI systems that impact millions, but the average person has little to no influence over the technology shaping their world.
The AI Power Divide
The reason AI has remained largely in the domain of big tech companies is simple: building AI systems is expensive. It often requires the work of dozens of engineers and costs millions of dollars. Large tech companies have mastered the art of making these investments pay off. They build one-size-fits-all systems — like those that improve web searches or recommend products — which generate massive revenue by serving millions or even billions of users.
However, this model doesn’t work for smaller industries, where no single AI system can cater to hundreds of millions of users. For instance, a local pizza store owner faces challenges that are unique to his business, like managing inventory and reducing food waste. But hiring a team of AI engineers is far beyond his means, even though AI could help him make decisions that might increase his revenue by a few thousand dollars a year — a significant amount for a small business owner.
The Long-Tail Problem of AI
AI development today is primarily driven by the needs of tech and internet companies, which results in a few highly valuable systems and a long tail of neglected opportunities. Projects like ad placement, search engines, and shopping recommendations occupy the head of this distribution curve, generating immense value. But move further along this curve, and you encounter countless smaller projects, each tailored to a specific need that goes unaddressed because they don’t fit the one-size-fits-all model.
For example, while AI could help a pizza shop better manage its inventory or a T-shirt company optimize product placement, these projects are unique and often require custom solutions that aren’t financially viable for smaller businesses. This long tail of opportunities represents a massive, untapped potential that remains largely ignored.
Empowering the Everyday Entrepreneur
So, how do we enable small businesses to build AI systems that matter to them? Until recently, building an AI system required coding expertise, something that not everyone has the time or resources to learn. But just as the pen and paper made literacy more accessible than chiseling on stone tablets, new AI development platforms are making it easier for people to build custom AI systems without needing to write pages of code.
These platforms focus on data rather than code. For example, an inspector at a T-shirt factory can upload photos of fabric, mark defects, and teach an AI system to recognize issues like tears or discoloration. This process doesn’t require coding skills — just the ability to provide data and a willingness to teach the AI.
The Future of AI Belongs to Everyone
The democratization of AI can empower everyday people to build their own AI solutions. Imagine a future where every pizza store owner, T-shirt maker, and auto mechanic has access to AI that can help them solve their unique problems. This shift could unlock a new wave of innovation, where AI is not just a tool for the tech giants but a powerful ally for small businesses everywhere.
The impact of AI democratization could be as profound as the spread of literacy. It’s a chance to ensure that the benefits of AI — wealth creation, efficiency gains, and improved decision-making — are spread widely across society. By breaking down the barriers to AI development, we can empower millions of people to participate in building the future.
In the coming era, AI will not be reserved for the high priests and priestesses of technology. Instead, it will be a tool that anyone can use to write their own success story. And that is a future worth looking forward to.
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