At Metosin, we've worked with large enterprises navigating AI adoption. What we've learned is that most organizations follow a predictable five-stage journey, and understanding where you are is crucial for setting realistic expectations and making smart investments.
Where does your organization stand?
The AI Adoption Maturity Model
Here's the framework that's helping leaders make sense of their AI journey.
Level 1: Individual LearningLink to Level 1: Individual Learning
What it looks like: Curious employees experimenting with ChatGPT and similar tools on their own time.
Expected outcome: Personal productivity improvements and AI literacy building.
Business objectives: None defined (and that's perfectly fine).
ROI expectation: Don't expect positive ROI—this is education, not value creation.
Level 2: Group LearningLink to Level 2: Group Learning
What it looks like: Company-wide AI tool rollout (Copilot licenses for everyone, training sessions, enthusiastic announcements).
Expected outcome: Workforce AI familiarity and identification of potential use cases.
Business objectives: Still none specifically defined—focus remains on learning.
ROI expectation: Still no positive ROI expected. Resist the temptation to demand immediate results.
*This is where 80% of enterprises are today—and where most hit the brick wall.
The real business value starts at Level 3 when you can finally define specific use cases and business objectives.*
Level 3: Business Impact Solutions 🎯Link to Level 3: Business Impact Solutions 🎯
What it looks like: Specific business problems identified and solved with custom AI applications.
Expected outcome: Measurable ROI on targeted use cases (20-40% efficiency gains typical).
Business objectives: First time you can define clear business goals and use cases.
Key shift: From "AI for everyone" to "AI for this specific business challenge."
Level 4: Scaled Operations ⚙️Link to Level 4: Scaled Operations ⚙️
What it looks like: AI embedded across multiple business processes with dedicated teams and governance.
Expected outcome: Consistent value delivery across departments and functions.
Business objectives: Strategic process transformation with defined success metrics.
Impact: Operational advantages and competitive differentiation.
Level 5: Strategic Transformation 🚀Link to Level 5: Strategic Transformation 🚀
What it looks like: AI driving new business models and revenue streams.
Expected outcome: Market leadership and sustainable competitive advantages.
Business objectives: AI-native business model evolution and continuous innovation.
Impact: Industry leadership and new market creation.
Key Insights for Leaders:Link to Key Insights for Leaders:
Levels 1-2 are investments in learning, not ROI generators. Most leadership teams get frustrated here because they expect business results too early. The real business value starts at Level 3 when you can finally define specific use cases and business objectives. This requires a different skill set than Levels 1-2.
The gap between Level 2 and 3 is significant. You need business domain expertise + AI knowledge + engineering capabilities working together. Your AI-native competitors start at Level 4 or 5. They don't have legacy processes to transform—they're built AI-first from day one.
Questions for Reflection:Link to Questions for Reflection:
- Where is your organization today?
- Are you expecting ROI from learning phases (Levels 1-2)?
- Do you have the capabilities to define specific AI use cases and business objectives?
- What's your plan for breaking through to Level 3?
Understanding this maturity model has helped our clients set realistic expectations, allocate resources effectively, and build sustainable AI capabilities that deliver measurable business value.
