Template · 7 min

AI Adoption Thesis Template

A one-page thesis that states where AI earns its keep this year, who owns it, and what "good" looks like — the document every other AI decision hangs off.

For: CEOs, COOs, and executive sponsors of AI adoption

Template preview

AI Adoption Thesis Template

A one-page thesis that states where AI earns its keep this year, who owns it, and what "good" looks like — the document every other AI decision hangs off.

What this thesis commits to

The one or two outcomes AI should move this year, stated as measurable results — not "explore AI."
The single accountable owner for adoption, named.
The risk posture: what the institution will and will not let AI touch in year one.

When to use it

Before any AI budget is approved or any pilot is greenlit.
At the start of each planning cycle, to re-baseline the thesis against results.

Why a written thesis matters

Scattered pilots are a strategy by accident. A one-page thesis is a strategy on purpose — and the only thing that lets you say no to the pilots that do not serve it.

Section 1 of 3

What this thesis commits to

This template is structured. The working copy is being finalized by our subject-matter editors — directionally accurate today, refined shortly.

The one or two outcomes AI should move this year, stated as measurable results — not "explore AI."
The single accountable owner for adoption, named.
The risk posture: what the institution will and will not let AI touch in year one.
The definition of success the board will be shown against.

Section 2 of 3

When to use it

Before any AI budget is approved or any pilot is greenlit.
At the start of each planning cycle, to re-baseline the thesis against results.

Section 3 of 3

Why a written thesis matters

Scattered pilots are a strategy by accident. A one-page thesis is a strategy on purpose — and the only thing that lets you say no to the pilots that do not serve it.

Executive / Leadership Playbook

The artifact is the start. The course is where it sticks.

Use this template, then walk through the practice loop in the AiBI-Foundation course — the same prompts, with reviewed work you can take to your team.

Start your Executive / Leadership path Back to the playbook

AI Adoption Thesis Template — Executive / Leadership Playbook — The AI Banking Institute