PROMOTERS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CAPABILITY IN THE NIGERIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY

Abstract

The rise of Big Data, coupled with the need for organisations to catch up with the dynamic and complex business environment, has sparked a new wave of interest in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This study investigated vendor partnership and managerial support as enhancers of artificial intelligence capability of telecommunication firms in Nigeria, using competitive pressure as a moderator. A survey was conducted among 141 managers and IT staff from four dominant telecommunication firms, and data were analysed to generate descriptive outputs, with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Moreover, five hypotheses were tested using the Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling, with the aid of SmartPLS 3.2.9. Inferential output indicates that higher levels of vendor partnership and managerial support amplify artificial intelligence capability, while competitive pressure neither promotes artificial intelligence capability nor buffers the relationship between each of the two exogenous variables and artificial intelligence capability. The study recommends that telecommunication companies should only select partners who are trusted, reliable and knowledgeable in emerging AI- enabled technologies, and emphasize lasting, strong and extensive social, economic, commercial and technical ties. Also, managers should nurture a culture that enables members adapt to new technologies; and channel resources to adequately fund AI-initiatives. KEYWORDS: Artificial Intelligence Capability, Managerial Support, Vendor Partnership, Competitive Pressure.