Meanwhile, Microsoft researchers, in collaboration with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, have used AI to develop a battery that uses less lithium. Microsoft, like Accenture, is also focusing on upskilling its workforce in the AI economy to help small and medium-sized businesses stay competitive. The company has been offering free courses since 2020 to help SMEs gain the necessary knowledge and skills for data use and protection.
Key takeaways:
- Accenture is purchasing Udacity, a pioneer in digital education, to train employees on artificial intelligence (AI) using Learnvantage. Over 230 Udacity professionals are expected to join Accenture LearnVantage as a result of the acquisition.
- Accenture's Learnvantage is designed to help executives identify skills gaps created by technological advancements and provide industry-specific training to close those gaps. This includes specialized training in AI, data science, cloud computing, and cyber security.
- In response to the growing need for technical knowledge, particularly in generative AI, Accenture plans to invest $1 billion over three years in Accenture LearnVantage and acquire Udacity. The company believes there is a demand for upskilling workers with AI-centered courses in the expanding AI economy.
- Microsoft, like Accenture, is also focusing on upskilling its workforce in the context of the AI economy. Microsoft Singapore and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) plan to offer free courses for the next two years to help 2,000 SMEs gain the necessary knowledge and skills for data use and protection.