Comparing Artificial Intelligence and Genetic Engineering: Commercialization Lessons

Artificial Intelligence is rapidly leaving its academic home and moving into the marketplace. There are few precedents for an arcane academic subject becoming commercialized so rapidly. But, genetic engineering, which recently burst forth from academia to become the foundation for the hot new biotechnology industry, provides useful insights into the rites of passage awaiting the commercializat,ion of artificial intelligence. This article examines the structural similarities and dissimilarities in the two subjects and briefly summarizes the history of the commercialization of genetic engineering. It then proposes some lessons that would benefit the artificial intelligence industry RARELY DOES A NEW INDUSTRY suddenly spring out of the most arcane corners of universities; we live in intercsting times. Within a few short years AI and genetic engineering have burst their academic restraints and are on the way to being commercialized by industry throughout the developed world. Genetic engineering, as a commercial endeavor, has about a five-year lead. AI is currently passing through rites of passage that resemble those already braved by the young genetic engineering industry. There are many striking similarities that suggest that examination of the commercialization of genetic engineering contains lessons valuable to the budding artificial intelligence industry.