What do we mean by strategy?

Defining Strategy

Strategy and business execution are inseparable, with strategy necessitating and directing execution by harnessing both human and technological capabilities. For us, strategy is the means to achieve a position where an organisation can thrive, preferably on its own terms. This involves leveraging both human ingenuity and technological advancements to create a competitive edge.

Evolution of Strategy

Originally, strategy was a term applied to warfare, where generals devised plans to win battles. Over time, the concept of strategy migrated from the battlefield to the boardroom, as leaders sought to navigate the complexities of business competition. As technological innovation has transformed the world of work, the meaning of strategy has also evolved. Computational technologies have fundamentally changed how organisations operate and compete. Digital business strategies now emphasise integrating digital technologies into business models, enabling new forms of value creation and competitive advantage. (1)

Human-Centric Strategy

In our increasingly technological world, it's essential to empower people to drive business success. By enabling individuals to achieve more, especially through interactive AI technology, organisations can unlock significant breakthroughs in productivity and value creation. This approach echoes the transformative impact of introducing graphic user interfaces in the 1980s. To develop and execute strong strategies, it is crucial to have a team that fully understands the critical aspects of people, process, and technology. For these reasons, human centricity must lead the way in our digital age.

AI, Strategy, and Culture 

The connection between strategy and the effective use of AI technologies for value creation is crucial. AI is not a special case but rather the next technology to which a 21st-century view of strategy must be applied. When integrated into a well-defined strategy, AI technologies can significantly enhance human capabilities, drive innovation, and create substantial business value. Renessai exists specifically to support our customers in this essential practice.

​​Our collective experience has shown us that the ability to drive innovation, business benefits, and customer value depends on understanding how to integrate the human with the technological. This is why we emphasise a human-centric approach to strategy and AI.  Organisational culture scholar Edgar Schein famously said that “culture constrains strategy” (2), and our experience confirms this idea. We understand how to navigate these cultural aspects to effectively implement and execute strategies that deliver results. 

Why Renessai? 

Unlike many consulting firms, Renessai stands out by leveraging the deep expertise of our senior consultants, whose knowledge spans both strategy and technological domains. They have led significant technology shifts for decades and have a proven track record of advising leading companies across Europe and North America on integrating business strategy with data and AI.

At Renessai, we recognise that the challenge of AI lies not just in the technology, but in its effective application. Our strategy, rooted in systems thinking, ensures flexibility and adaptation. We focus on creating a distinctive and appropriate strategic fit, with consultants adept in both strategic and technical aspects, enhancing human capabilities and boosting creativity, performance, and self-efficacy through AI.

We collaborate with you to prioritise and implement your strategy, aligning stakeholders, setting clear responsibilities, and establishing milestones. Our hands-on support, expert knowledge, and interim leadership bring your strategy to life. As your strategy evolves, we adapt with you, driving operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Choosing the right partner for your AI strategy is crucial. At Renessai, we not only help you identify your strategy but also bring it to fruition. Our expertise ensures that as your organisation grows, you maintain operational excellence and meet strategic goals, harnessing the combined strengths of people and AI to generate new value.

Conclusion

In conclusion, modern strategy is a dynamic and complex concept that integrates human and technological capabilities, culture, ethical considerations, and continuous adaptation. By understanding and harnessing these elements, organisations can develop and execute resilient strategies that enable them to prosper in an ever-changing business environment. At Renessai, we are dedicated to helping you implement your strategies and leverage AI effectively, ensuring that every action supports your long-term success.

1: Bharadwaj AS, Sawy OAE, Pavlou PA, et al. (2013) Digital Business Strategy: Toward a Next Generation of Insights. Management Information Systems Quarterly 37(2): 471–482.
2: Schein EH (1985) Organizational Culture and Leadership. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.