Aerospace & Defense Industry to See Greatest Impact from Artificial Intelligence Compared to Other Key Emerging Technologies,...
June 13 2019 - 6:59AM
Business Wire
Study underscores the need for reskilling in
the sector for future competitiveness
The aerospace and defense (A&D) industry will be more
affected by artificial intelligence (AI) than by any other major
emerging technology over the next three years, according to
Aerospace & Defense Technology Vision 2019, the annual report
from Accenture (NYSE: ACN) that predicts key technology trends
likely to redefine business. The study also underscores the growing
importance of reskilling programs as a competitive lever.
AI, comprising technologies that range from machine learning to
natural language processing, enables machines to sense, comprehend,
act and learn in order to extend human capabilities. One-third
(33%) of A&D executives surveyed cited AI as the technology
that will have the greatest impact on their organization over the
next three years — more than quantum computing, distributed ledger
or extended reality.
In fact, two-thirds (67%) of A&D executives said they have
either adopted AI within their business or are piloting the
technology. Benefits of AI for the industry include enabling
predictive analytics for maintenance; facilitating smart
manufacturing with connected devices that provide real-time
information to workers on the shop floor; providing advanced
automation that enables the workforce to offload repetitive tasks;
and enhancing real-time responses to customer issues and
complaints, among others.
“AI has the potential to be a major growth driver for the
A&D industry,” said John Schmidt, global leader of Accenture’s
Aerospace & Defense practice. “However, AI technology is
advancing faster than the pace at which many companies are adopting
it. A&D executives need to find ways to accelerate their
adoption of broader AI solutions that can deliver breakthrough
outcomes by focusing not just on the technology but also on how
they want to transform their workforce and capabilities.”
Workforce Reskilling
The importance of reskilling the A&D workforce to ensure
success within companies is a prominent theme in the report. More
than two-thirds (69%) of A&D executives believe that the speed
at which members of the workforce move between roles and
organizations has increased the need for reskilling in their
organization.
In addition, two-thirds (67%) of A&D executives believe that
more than 40% of their workforce will move into new roles requiring
substantial reskilling within three years.
AI is both a cause for and a solution to workforce reskilling.
For instance, aerospace specialists can now work alongside
AI-assisted design technology to quickly cycle through countless
design options and test configurations, with intelligent software
learning and improving with each iteration. AI will also play a key
role in identifying workers’ hidden and adjacent skills and will
help them reskill and retain displaced workers.
“The rapid adoption of AI has triggered urgent calls for
reskilling to prepare for a different way of working,” Schmidt
said. “The majority of jobs will be reconfigured as people and
intelligent machines collaborate. A&D leaders must reimagine
the very nature of work and then build the right training to meet
that vision.”
Data & The Customer
The report also notes the growing role of digital data and
demographics and their role in the A&D industry. Nearly all
(95%) of the A&D executives surveyed expect the amount of data
their organization manages about their operators’ digital
demographics to increase over the next two years, with nearly
three-quarters (74%) expecting it to increase either
“significantly” or “exponentially.”
The increase in available data could prove beneficial for
A&D companies. For example, three-quarters (76%) of executives
said that digital demographics give their organizations a new way
to identify market opportunities for unmet customer needs.
“Insights from digital demographics data allow A&D companies
to create a new generation of offerings that foster an ongoing,
trustworthy relationship with operators,” said Jeff Wheless,
research lead for Accenture’s Aerospace & Defense practice.
“Maintenance solutions can be fine-tuned to an aircraft operator’s
specific operating environment or enhanced flight planning, which
can maximize fuel savings and minimize greenhouse emissions.”
About the Methodology
Accenture’s Aerospace & Defense Technology Vision
2019 report is based on responses from 113 aerospace and
defense executives surveyed as part of the Accenture
Technology Vision 2019. The research process for Accenture
Technology Vision 2019, which is developed annually by the
Accenture Labs and Accenture Research, included gathering input
from the Technology Vision External Advisory Board, a group
comprising more than two dozen experienced individuals from the
public and private sectors, academia, venture capital firms and
entrepreneurial companies. In addition, the Technology Vision team
conducted interviews with technology luminaries and industry
experts, as well as with nearly 100 Accenture business leaders. In
parallel, Accenture Research conducted a global online survey
of 6,672 business and IT executives to capture insights into
the adoption of emerging technologies. The survey helped identify
the key issues and priorities for technology adoption and
investment. Respondents were C-level executives and directors
at companies across 27 countries and 20 industries, with the
majority having annual revenues greater than US$6 billion.
About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company,
providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy,
consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched
experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries
and all business functions — underpinned by the world’s largest
delivery network — Accenture works at the intersection of business
and technology to help clients improve their performance and create
sustainable value for their stakeholders. With 477,000 people
serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives
innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us
at www.accenture.com.
Copyright © 2019 Accenture. All rights reserved. Accenture and
its logo are trademarks of Accenture.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190613005051/en/
Melissa CurtisAccenture+1 617 480
8590melissa.curtis@accenture.com
Accenture (NYSE:ACN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Aug 2024 to Sep 2024
Accenture (NYSE:ACN)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2023 to Sep 2024