Shanghai introduced its first corporate AI adoption maturity model on Sept. 12 at the Inclusion·Conference on the Bund, offering companies a roadmap from pilots to large-scale AI adoption.

The AI Adoption Maturity Model (AIM²) was developed by Antai College of Economics & Management at Shanghai Jiaotong University (SJTU), and SJTU-BOC Institute of Science and Technology Finance, with support from companies including China Pacific Insurance, Hilefit, China's Industrial Bank and Ant Group.

The model outlines five stages of adoption - from early trials to company-wide use - and evaluates progress across six areas: strategy, organization, data, technology, applications and business value. It is designed to help firms identify their position, pinpoint gaps and plan next steps.

LIU Shaoxuan, who led the project, said businesses are shifting focus from model size to data quality. While some have embedded AI deeply into their operations, most still struggle to generate returns because of limited quality data.

Researchers found uneven progress across industries. Finance is advancing toward autonomous financial agents, with insurers like China Pacific deploying AI-driven "digital workforces." Automakers show strong strategy but weaker data foundations. Health care is moving to proactive, full-cycle services, while retailers such as L'Oréal are using AI tools to improve consumer experiences at scale.

Analysts say AIM² breaks down a complex process into clear stages and best practices, helping companies track progress and avoid wasted spending. They note that future competition will depend on how well companies embed AI into their core businesses, shifting from simple adopters to active drivers of change.