Preprint
Machine Learning

Generative AI

Stefan Feuerriegel(Munich School of Philosophy), Jochen Hartmann(Technical University of Munich), Christian Janiesch(TU Dortmund University), Patrick Zschech(Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg)
September 12, 2023Business & Information Systems Engineering1,480 citations

1.5k

Citations

53

Influential Citations

Business & Information Systems Engineering

Venue

2023

Year

Abstract

Tom Freston is credited with saying “Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way”. For a long time in history, it has been the prevailing assumption that artistic, creative tasks such as writing poems, creating software, designing fashion, and composing songs could only be performed by humans. This assumption has changed drastically with recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) that can generate new content in ways that cannot be distinguished anymore from human craftsmanship.

Analysis

Why This Paper Matters

This paper matters because it captures a pivotal moment in AI history where machines have begun to rival human creativity. By framing generative AI as an innovation that combines existing elements in new ways, the authors connect technological progress to a broader narrative of creative evolution. For AI practitioners, this paper serves as a high-level orientation to the capabilities and implications of generative models, which are increasingly deployed in real-world applications from content creation to software development.

The significance lies in its timing and venue: published in a business and information systems engineering journal, it signals that generative AI is not just a technical curiosity but a strategic business tool. The paper helps bridge the gap between technical AI research and practical deployment, making it relevant for decision-makers and engineers alike.

Technical Contributions

  • Comprehensive survey: The paper synthesizes advances across multiple generative AI domains (text, code, design, music) without focusing on a single model or technique.
  • Conceptual framework: It frames generative AI as a form of innovation through recombination, providing a lens for understanding its creative potential.
  • Business perspective: Emphasizes implications for enterprise systems, distinguishing it from purely technical surveys.

Results

No concrete metrics or experimental results are presented. The paper is a qualitative review, so its value is in the synthesis and perspective rather than empirical findings. Practitioners should look elsewhere for performance benchmarks or model comparisons.

Significance

This paper contributes to the discourse on AI's role in creative fields, challenging long-held assumptions about human uniqueness. For the AI field, it underscores the need for interdisciplinary research combining technical AI with business strategy and ethics. Its high citation count (1480) reflects its influence as a reference point for discussions on generative AI's societal and economic impact.