Artificial intelligence technology transfer in computer information systems: The Arizona State University perspective

The Decision & Information Systems (DIS) Department in the College of Business, Arizona State University, houses one of the leading edge computer information systems (IS) graduate programs in the country. DIS faculty continue to develop innovative pedagogical and research approaches, particularly in the area of emerging technologies. One of the emerging technologies we have targeted is artificial intelligence (AI). Our objective in AI research and teaching has been to bridge the transfer of this technology from the laboratories of computer scientists to productive applications in modern business organizations. Recent DIS graduates already play a leading role in managing AI application development, conducting AI research, and they are actively involved in crafting practical AI tools to support organizational knowledge workers. Our AI curriculum is based on a student model that targets the development of knowledge, skills, and experience. In our doctoral dissertations, we have sought to balance traditional approaches to IS research with innovative methodological paradigms. Overall, we stress technical skill development and a deeply rooted understanding of literature in AI and its emerging subfields.