As we move forward in the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), especially large language models across industries and opportunities, we are being asked to recognize a change in the way knowledge is created. An age of collaborative intelligence will include the combination of human creativity and problem-solving abilities with AI’s ability to rapidly apply algorithms, data, and computational power to recognize patterns, suggest best-case solutions, and identify patterns and relationships not readily apparent to human processing. 

A new collaborative intelligence (CI) will enable humans and machines to work together to solve complex problems and create innovative solutions, but only if we determine and apply the parameters that each (humans, machines) bring to the table. How do we determine the best skills of humans, the best skills of machines, and the best collaborative environment for where the synergy of the two expands the skills, expertise, and problem solving? 

Innate Skills of Human Intelligence

• Critical thinking: The ability to analyze information, identify patterns, and make sound, ethical judgments.
• Creativity: The ability to generate new ideas and solutions.
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with others, including machines.
• Communication: The ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and solutions.
• Problem-solving: The ability to apply holistic and strategic thinking.
• Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances.
• Technological Literacy: The ability to examine and use technology effectively.
• Innovation: The ability to imagine and implement creative ideas.

Leveraging the Promises of Artificial Intelligence

• Speed:  Giving humans the right information to make fast evidence-based decisions.
• Higher Work Hierarchy:  Focusing on more rewarding and higher value-added tasks.
• Scalable intervention: Expanding efforts to larger populations. 
• Adaptability: Rapidly adjusting to new conditions.
• Personalization: Uniquely meeting the needs of diverse populations or individuals.
• Analytical capabilities: Thoroughly analyzing a situation in a solution-focused manner.
• Generativity: Creating new knowledge based on the data, patterns, and rules learned AI was trained on.

Defining the New Collaborative Intelligence

• Embedded CI will dramatically change work, learning, and talent development through guided, just-in-time information, training, and solutions.
• Massive reskilling will be required to leverage the new affordances CI offers.
• Rapid, strategic scaling of new methods of solutions and engagement.
• New models for teamwork skills when combining human and machine skills for the best outcomes.
• Working with AI will require a trained, analytical mindset and awareness of the CI framework. 

Ethics of A New Collaborative Intelligence

• Transparency: Collaborative intelligence should be transparent and accountable.
• Privacy: Collaborative intelligence should protect user privacy.
• Fairness: Collaborative intelligence should be fair and unbiased.
• Autonomy: Collaborative intelligence should respect human autonomy.
• Beneficence: Collaborative intelligence should be used for the benefit of humanity.
• Non-maleficence: Collaborative intelligence should not be used in ways that could cause harm.

By combining human creativity and problem-solving abilities with artificial intelligence, collaborative intelligence has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work. However, to ensure collaborative intelligence models are developed, implemented, and used in a responsible and ethical manner, new understandings of roles and affordances of the collaboration must be in place. 

Understanding and building human skills to work with and complement the artificial intelligence strengths will improve overall project success.  People need to analyze and build the skills to leverage and build on AI to improve overall outcomes.  Improved HI and Ai skills, Collaborative Intelligence, will provide humans with a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Ready or not, successful ventures in the use of AI in creating a new understanding of CI will include utilizing the best combinatory skills of machines and humans. Leveraging the affordances of AI’s rapid, analytic, generative capabilities along with the innate creativity, intuition, ethics, and decision-making skills of individuals creates a CI whole greater than the sum of its two parts. Work in developing a conceptual framework for CI will “make it so.”