Flevy Management Insights Q&A

How are Maturity Models evolving to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies?

     Joseph Robinson    |    Maturity Model


This article provides a detailed response to: How are Maturity Models evolving to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies? For a comprehensive understanding of Maturity Model, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to Maturity Model best practice resources.

TLDR Maturity Models are evolving to include AI and ML, shifting towards dynamic, data-driven assessments with a focus on ethical use, demanding skilled personnel and adaptive strategies for continuous improvement in the digital age.

Reading time: 5 minutes

Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they relate to this question.

What does Maturity Models mean?
What does Digital Transformation mean?
What does Data Governance mean?


Maturity models have long been a cornerstone in assessing and guiding the development of organizational capabilities across various domains, including IT, cybersecurity, project management, and more. Traditionally, these models have provided a framework for organizations to evaluate their processes, practices, and technologies against a set of predefined levels or stages. However, as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies have become more integrated into business operations, maturity models are evolving to incorporate these advancements. This evolution is not merely an addition of a new technology layer but a transformative shift in how organizations approach maturity assessment and improvement in the digital age.

Incorporation of AI and ML into Maturity Models

The integration of AI and ML into maturity models is a reflection of the broader digital transformation trends across industries. Organizations are increasingly leveraging AI and ML to enhance decision-making, optimize operations, and create innovative products and services. As such, maturity models are evolving to include specific criteria and benchmarks related to the adoption, implementation, and optimization of these technologies. This includes assessing the organization's capability to collect, process, and analyze data, develop AI and ML models, deploy these models effectively, and continuously learn and adapt from the outcomes.

One key aspect of this evolution is the shift from static assessment frameworks to more dynamic, data-driven approaches. Traditional maturity models often rely on qualitative assessments and periodic reviews. In contrast, AI and ML-enabled models utilize real-time data and analytics to provide a more accurate and current view of organizational maturity. This allows organizations to identify areas of improvement more quickly and respond to changes in technology and market conditions more effectively.

Moreover, the incorporation of AI and ML into maturity models emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, data governance, and AI explainability. Organizations are now evaluated on their ability to implement AI and ML in a responsible manner, ensuring data privacy, security, and compliance with regulatory requirements. This reflects a broader understanding of maturity that goes beyond technical capabilities to include ethical and governance aspects.

Are you familiar with Flevy? We are you shortcut to immediate value.
Flevy provides business best practices—the same as those produced by top-tier consulting firms and used by Fortune 100 companies. Our best practice business frameworks, financial models, and templates are of the same caliber as those produced by top-tier management consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture. Most were developed by seasoned executives and consultants with 20+ years of experience.

Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab

Challenges and Opportunities

While the evolution of maturity models to incorporate AI and ML presents significant opportunities for organizations to enhance their capabilities, it also introduces new challenges. One of the main challenges is the need for skilled personnel who can effectively develop, implement, and manage AI and ML projects. According to a report by McKinsey, there is a significant gap between the demand for AI and ML talent and the available supply. This talent gap can hinder organizations' ability to progress through the maturity levels and fully leverage the benefits of AI and ML.

Another challenge is the pace of technological change. AI and ML technologies are advancing rapidly, and keeping maturity models up to date with these advancements can be difficult. Organizations must continuously monitor the technology landscape and adjust their maturity assessments and improvement plans accordingly. This requires a flexible and adaptive approach to maturity modeling, which can be a significant departure from more traditional, static models.

Despite these challenges, the evolution of maturity models to incorporate AI and ML also offers organizations the opportunity to gain a competitive advantage. By accurately assessing their maturity in these areas and identifying specific areas for improvement, organizations can prioritize investments in AI and ML that align with their strategic goals. This can lead to more effective decision-making, improved operational efficiency, and the development of innovative products and services that meet evolving customer needs.

Real-World Examples

Several leading organizations have begun to implement evolved maturity models that incorporate AI and ML. For instance, a global financial services firm used an AI and ML maturity model to assess its current capabilities and identify strategic areas for investment. This assessment helped the firm prioritize initiatives that would have the greatest impact on improving customer experience and operational efficiency, leading to significant gains in market share and profitability.

In the healthcare sector, a major hospital network utilized an AI and ML maturity model to evaluate its use of predictive analytics in patient care. The assessment identified opportunities to expand the use of AI in diagnosing diseases, optimizing treatment plans, and managing hospital resources more effectively. By following the roadmap outlined by the maturity model, the hospital network was able to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.

These examples illustrate the practical benefits of evolving maturity models to incorporate AI and ML. By providing a framework for assessing and improving AI and ML capabilities, these models enable organizations to navigate the complexities of digital transformation more effectively and harness the full potential of these technologies.

In conclusion, as AI and ML technologies continue to advance and become more integral to business operations, the evolution of maturity models to incorporate these technologies is a critical development. Organizations that successfully adapt their maturity assessment and improvement practices to include AI and ML will be better positioned to thrive in the digital age.

Best Practices in Maturity Model

Here are best practices relevant to Maturity Model from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our Maturity Model materials here.

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.

Explore all of our best practices in: Maturity Model

Maturity Model Case Studies

For a practical understanding of Maturity Model, take a look at these case studies.

Telecom Digital Maturity Advancement in Competitive European Market

Scenario: A European telecom operator is grappling with the challenges of a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Read Full Case Study

Agritech Market Penetration Strategy for Sustainable Growth in North America

Scenario: The organization is a rapidly expanding agritech company in North America, which specializes in innovative farming solutions.

Read Full Case Study

Elevating Operational Efficiency in Apparel Manufacturing through a Strategic Business Maturity Model

Scenario: An apparel manufacturing company applied a strategic Business Maturity Model framework to elevate its operational efficiency.

Read Full Case Study

Operational Excellence Roadmap for Telecom Provider in Competitive Landscape

Scenario: A telecommunications provider is grappling with the current state of its Operational Maturity Model amidst a fiercely competitive market.

Read Full Case Study

Ecommerce Platform Evolution for Enhanced Market Penetration

Scenario: The organization is an established ecommerce platform specializing in consumer electronics with a growing customer base and expanding inventory.

Read Full Case Study

Automotive Supplier Growth Readiness and Maturity Enhancement

Scenario: A mid-sized automotive parts supplier in North America has recently penetrated the electric vehicle market niche.

Read Full Case Study


Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

FREE DOWNLOAD
Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.

Download this Free Presentation

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

What are the key stages in the HR maturity model, and how can they be leveraged to enhance organizational effectiveness?
The HR maturity model progresses from Administrative efficiency to Strategic Integration, culminating in Purpose-Driven Leadership and Sustainability for enhanced organizational effectiveness. [Read full explanation]
What are the stages of business maturity?
Understanding the stages of business maturity helps C-level executives strategically navigate growth, optimize operations, and ensure long-term success through continuous improvement and adaptability. [Read full explanation]
How can Maturity Models enhance leadership development and succession planning in organizations?
Maturity Models provide a structured framework for Leadership Development and Succession Planning, enabling organizations to assess capabilities, identify high-potential leaders, and ensure strategic continuity. [Read full explanation]
What emerging trends in Maturity Models are shaping the future of strategic management in 2023 and beyond?
Emerging trends in Maturity Models for 2023 and beyond include integrating Sustainability and ESG criteria, emphasizing Digital Maturity, and focusing on Organizational Agility and Resilience to navigate modern business complexities. [Read full explanation]
How does the implementation of a Maturity Model influence organizational restructuring and design?
Implementing a Maturity Model profoundly influences Organizational Restructuring and Design by providing a framework to assess capabilities, identify improvement areas, guide resource allocation, encourage continuous improvement, and support strategic objectives, ultimately leading to optimized operations and preparation for future challenges. [Read full explanation]
How to evaluate technology readiness level effectively?
Effectively evaluating Technology Readiness Level involves a structured framework, expert consultation, and comprehensive ecosystem assessment to ensure informed investment decisions and successful implementation. [Read full explanation]

 
Joseph Robinson, New York

Operational Excellence, Management Consulting

This Q&A article was reviewed by Joseph Robinson. Joseph is the VP of Strategy at Flevy with expertise in Corporate Strategy and Operational Excellence. Prior to Flevy, Joseph worked at the Boston Consulting Group. He also has an MBA from MIT Sloan.

It is licensed under CC BY 4.0. You're free to share and adapt with attribution. To cite this article, please use:

Source: "How are Maturity Models evolving to incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies?," Flevy Management Insights, Joseph Robinson, 2025




Flevy is the world's largest knowledge base of best practices.


Leverage the Experience of Experts.

Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.

Download Immediately and Use.

Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.

Save Time, Effort, and Money.

Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.




Read Customer Testimonials

 
"[Flevy] produces some great work that has been/continues to be of immense help not only to myself, but as I seek to provide professional services to my clients, it gives me a large "tool box" of resources that are critical to provide them with the quality of service and outcomes they are expecting."

– Royston Knowles, Executive with 50+ Years of Board Level Experience
 
"Last Sunday morning, I was diligently working on an important presentation for a client and found myself in need of additional content and suitable templates for various types of graphics. Flevy.com proved to be a treasure trove for both content and design at a reasonable price, considering the time I "

– M. E., Chief Commercial Officer, International Logistics Service Provider
 
"My FlevyPro subscription provides me with the most popular frameworks and decks in demand in today’s market. They not only augment my existing consulting and coaching offerings and delivery, but also keep me abreast of the latest trends, inspire new products and service offerings for my practice, and educate me "

– Bill Branson, Founder at Strategic Business Architects
 
"One of the great discoveries that I have made for my business is the Flevy library of training materials.

As a Lean Transformation Expert, I am always making presentations to clients on a variety of topics: Training, Transformation, Total Productive Maintenance, Culture, Coaching, Tools, Leadership Behavior, etc. Flevy "

– Ed Kemmerling, Senior Lean Transformation Expert at PMG
 
"As an Independent Management Consultant, I find Flevy to add great value as a source of best practices, templates and information on new trends. Flevy has matured and the quality and quantity of the library is excellent. Lastly the price charged is reasonable, creating a win-win value for "

– Jim Schoen, Principal at FRC Group
 
"If you are looking for great resources to save time with your business presentations, Flevy is truly a value-added resource. Flevy has done all the work for you and we will continue to utilize Flevy as a source to extract up-to-date information and data for our virtual and onsite presentations!"

– Debbi Saffo, President at The NiKhar Group
 
"I am extremely grateful for the proactiveness and eagerness to help and I would gladly recommend the Flevy team if you are looking for data and toolkits to help you work through business solutions."

– Trevor Booth, Partner, Fast Forward Consulting
 
"I have used FlevyPro for several business applications. It is a great complement to working with expensive consultants. The quality and effectiveness of the tools are of the highest standards."

– Moritz Bernhoerster, Global Sourcing Director at Fortune 500



Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.