Prime Ministers and Product Managers have a lot in common when it comes to AI strategy

Prime Ministers and Product Managers (PMs) have more in common than initially meets the eye when it comes to AI strategy. Just as a PM meticulously defines user needs, the Prime Minister must clearly articulate the desired outcomes for citizens. What are the key metrics of success? How will we measure the impact on productivity, healthcare outcomes, or citizen satisfaction?

While 2025 may not be a single, defining "year of AI," it's undoubtedly a year where AI will play an increasingly significant role in our lives and societies. This week in the UK, AI hit the headlines as our Prime Minister (PM) Keir Starmer announced a new AI policy and strategy. Just like many PMs (Product Managers) we meet, the UK government also aims to harness the power of AI for economic growth, and societal benefit in the years to come.

The Prime Minister states he wants to: Make the UK an AI superpower, and boost economic growth: By investing in research, developing a skilled workforce, and fostering innovation. He also wants to use AI for good: To improve public services, tackle societal challenges – from climate change to optimizing energy grids and developing more sustainable transportation systems – and drive economic growth while ensuring responsible AI development.

The UK Prime Minister's vision for AI through transforming public services is emotive:

·       A future where AI automates routine tasks, freeing up public sector workers to focus on more meaningful, human-centred interactions.

·       Imagine teachers leveraging AI tools for personalized learning plans, reducing lesson planning time and tailoring education to individual student needs.

·       Healthcare professionals provide personalised medicine based on individual DNA, accelerating the fight against disease.

And there is a three-pronged strategy to the vision: Compute, Data, and Skills with a dedicated 'ten-year compute plan' focusing on investing in cutting-edge infrastructure like supercomputers and data centres: Data will be the lifeblood: a proposed 'National Data Library' being a significant step. A world-class AI talent pool: attracting top international talent through streamlined visa routes and investing heavily in AI education and training programs at all levels, whilst fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

The government's vision hinges on turning AI into an 'Engine for the UK Economy.' Attracting and retaining leading AI companies is crucial. The UK has already seen significant investment from major AI players, and this strategy aims to further incentivize such investment. All great so far!

However, the economic realities cannot be ignored. Public concerns about the cost of this ambitious undertaking remain, and while the government emphasized the long-term economic benefits, questions remain about the short-term impact on taxpayers and the potential need for increased public spending. This challenge of balancing benefits with costs will sound familiar to any seasoned PM.

Just as a successful PM builds a roadmap with clear milestones, prioritizes features, and constantly iterates based on user feedback, the government needs to establish clear milestones, regularly evaluate progress, and be prepared to adjust the strategy based on real-world outcomes. For example, how will the government measure the impact of AI on reducing waiting times for healthcare appointments or improving educational outcomes?

Furthermore, a responsible PM ensures their product is user-friendly, ethical, and safe. Similarly, the government must prioritize the ethical development and deployment of AI. This includes addressing concerns about bias, job displacement, and the potential misuse of AI.

The Prime Minister faces a daunting task, but with careful planning, strong execution, and a focus on the long-term vision, the UK can successfully navigate the AI revolution and reap the benefits for generations to come. Ultimately, the true measure of success will be its impact on people's lives. Will it lead to better jobs, improved healthcare, and a more equitable society? These are the questions that must guide every decision.

My advice to all PMs (Prime Ministers to Product Managers) would be to start with the Strategyzer Value Proposition Canvas.

The Strategyzer Value Proposition Canvas is a strategic tool that helps us identify and clarify the value proposition by focusing on the needs and desires of the target customers. It is split into two main sections: the customer profile and the value map.

Here is how to complete the Strategyzer Value Proposition Canvas:

1.       Start with the customer profile

a.       Customer jobs: identify tasks or needs the customer aims to fulfil.

b.       Pains: List frustrations, risks or obstacles customer face.

c.       Gains: Define outcomes or benefits that would satisfy customers.

2.       Define the value map

a.       Products & services: List offerings that help customers compete their jobs.

b.       Pain relievers: Explain how your offerings alleviate the customer pains.

c.       Gain creators: Show how your offerings produce desire customer benefits.

3.       Align & adjust

a.       Ensure pain relievers match customer pains and gain creators match gains. Adjust to enhance the alignment.

4.       Test & refine

a.       Test with real customers to validate that your solution addresses their jobs, pains and gains. Use feedback to improve your value proposition.

To access the Strategyzer Value Proposition Canvas click here: https://www.strategyzer.com/library/the-value-proposition-canvas

Here is a populated canvas for coffee drinkers: