In a conversation with a16z’s Bob Swan, Microsoft CTO Kevin Scott discusses how AI copilots are enhancing developer productivity and potentially kick-starting a new industrial revolution in the knowledge work sector.
Scott emphasizes the transformative potential of AI and shares insights into Microsoft’s approach to AI development and deployment.
The Potential of AI as a Platform
AI is viewed as a platform that can enable the creation of many new and interesting things, similar to the impact of personal computers or smartphones.
Microsoft’s aim is to build this technology and see how people use it in ways that were not anticipated.
Understanding Conditions for Productivity
Understanding the conditions that allow people to achieve their most productive and satisfying work states is important.
AI tools can play a significant role in maintaining these conditions for extended periods.
AI Tools in AI Deployment
AI tools are being used in the deployment of AI, including testing and responsible AI work.
This application was not initially obvious, but has proven to be important in large-scale deployments.
I think this might be the biggest thing that’s ever happened for this particular type of work (knowledge work). And I think the way that it will get used in early days and you can sort of see this right now is kind of two-fold. – Kevin Scott
AI and the American Dream
AI creates more opportunities than potential harm and is becoming more accessible.
It can empower individuals to solve problems and create businesses without needing advanced technical knowledge.
Biggest Open Questions in AI
There are breakthroughs to be discovered in closing the efficiency gap between human brains and artificial neural networks.
Entrepreneurs are encouraged to focus on solving hard problems and not to chase trivial things.
We really do see AI not as a product and not as a research project but is a real platform for lots of people to build many interesting new things on top of. – Kevin Scott
Partnerships in AI Development
Partnerships play a crucial role in building and deploying the AI platform.
Collaborations with industry leaders like GitHub and OpenAI have been key in constructing AI supercomputing infrastructure and deploying advanced AI models and systems.
The ‘Co-pilot’ Pattern and Productivity
The ‘co-pilot’ pattern uses AI to assist in cognitive work, aiming to make knowledge workers more productive.
This approach has the potential to revolutionize productivity for knowledge workers, akin to the impact of the Industrial Revolution on physical labor.
Future of AI in Automating Repetitive Work
There is an anticipation of numerous companies being created to automate repetitive work.
However, it is highlighted that the most valuable uses of the AI platform may not be immediately apparent, encouraging a focus on solving difficult problems that are now within reach due to AI.
AI Copilots and Developer Productivity
One successful use case of AI is the code assistant within GitHub co-pilot.
This tool has been found to prolong developers’ ‘flow state’, thereby increasing productivity.
It underscores the importance of having good metrics and visibility into developer productivity when deciding on AI tool adoption.
AI Copilots: The Future of Knowledge Work
AI ‘co-pilots’ are expected to assist in complex cognitive tasks, altering the way we work.
This could herald the start of an industrial revolution for knowledge work, transforming productivity much like machines did for physical labor during the Industrial Revolution.
Advice for Builders
While there are many straightforward applications of AI that can be useful, the most valuable ones may not be the easiest.
Builders are encouraged to focus on the hard problems that were impossible to solve before the advent of AI.
AI Copilots in Writing
AI tools have been utilized in writing a science fiction book, significantly increasing writing productivity by maintaining the writer’s flow state for extended periods.
