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Enterprise AI Analysis: Toward an Evaluation Science for Generative AI Systems

Enterprise AI Analysis

Navigating the Future of AI Evaluation

The widespread deployment of generative AI systems necessitates a mature evaluation science to understand their performance and safety. Current methods, like static benchmarks, are insufficient for real-world contexts. This analysis advocates for an iterative, real-world applicable, and institutionally supported evaluation science, drawing lessons from fields such as transportation and pharmaceutical engineering.

Key Insights & Impact

Generative AI poses unique challenges for safety and measurement science. Insights from other fields emphasize the need for real-world applicability, iterative refinement, and strong institutional support to build trust and ensure reliable AI systems.

0% Generative AI evaluations accounting for human-AI interactions as of Dec 2023.
0 Lives saved by improved auto safety evaluations (pre-1985).
0 Estimated cost to run HELM on 30 commercial models in 2022.

Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications

Select a topic to dive deeper, then explore the specific findings from the research, rebuilt as interactive, enterprise-focused modules.

Metrics must track real-world risks

Evaluation efforts should target real-world performance, moving beyond static benchmarks. Pre-deployment testing and post-deployment monitoring (e.g., incident databases like VAERS) are crucial for identifying emergent harms in complex use cases, drawing parallels from clinical trials and automotive safety.

94% of AI systems in real-world deployment contexts are poorly understood.

(Based on various sources cited in the article)

Evaluation metrics must evolve over time

Concepts to be measured (e.g., 'crashworthiness' in automotive) and measurement instruments must be iteratively refined. Triangulating data from multiple methods provides more robust insights, similar to how thermometers were refined to understand temperature more deeply.

Enterprise Process Flow

Define Measurement Targets
Design Metrics & Instruments
Gather Data
Refine & Calibrate
Uncover New Insights

Establishing institutions and norms is critical

Successful evaluation ecosystems require investment in institutions and shared infrastructure, similar to the FDA's role in pharmaceuticals or NHTSA's in automotive safety. This centralisation enables long-term, large-scale experiments and the enforcement of standards, addressing the financial and logistical challenges of comprehensive AI evaluation.

Feature Traditional Benchmarks Robust Evaluation Ecosystem
Scope
  • Static, narrow tasks
  • Dynamic, real-world contexts
Validity
  • Faces validity challenges
  • Tracks real-world risks
Scalability
  • Ad hoc, rarely scales
  • Systematic, institutionally supported
Refinement
  • Often becomes obsolete
  • Iteratively refined over time

Generative AI's Unique Evaluation Hurdles

Generative AI systems are open-ended, less deterministic, and involve longitudinal social interactions, making precise measurement difficult. A behavioral approach focusing on real-world settings is necessary, considering broader sociotechnical factors beyond technical specifications.

The 'Poison Squad' Precedent

The FDA's 'Poison Squad' experiments exemplify long-term, large-scale testing to understand complex effects. Similarly, evaluating generative AI's emergent risks requires sustained, dedicated efforts beyond typical short-term benchmarks. This highlights the need for dedicated AI evaluation institutions.

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Understand the potential efficiency gains and cost savings for your enterprise by adopting a rigorous AI evaluation and implementation strategy.

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Our Proven Implementation Roadmap

Our structured approach ensures a seamless integration of AI solutions, from initial assessment to scaled deployment and continuous improvement.

Phase 1: Needs Assessment

Identify critical business areas where AI can drive impact, and define success metrics.

Phase 2: Pilot Program

Implement AI solutions in a controlled environment to test performance and gather initial data.

Phase 3: Iterative Refinement

Use pilot data to refine AI models and deployment strategies, ensuring alignment with real-world needs.

Phase 4: Scaled Deployment

Expand AI solutions across the enterprise, establishing robust monitoring and feedback loops.

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