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The AI-Native individual

What is an AI-Native individual?

In this methodology, an AI-Native individual is someone who can integrate appropriate uses of AI into their work while considering its capabilities and limitations.

Beyond operating a particular tool, the approach connects four competencies.

Four competencies

1. Understand AI

What this means: Know what AI can and cannot do. Understand the basic principles behind large language models, generative AI and their limitations.

In practice:

  • Distinguish generative, classification and predictive uses of AI.
  • Understand hallucinations and why an output may be incorrect.
  • Recognise when AI is a suitable tool and when it is not.

2. Use AI safely

What this means: Know the organisation’s rules, understand risks and follow the applicable safeguards.

In practice:

  • Enter data only into approved tools, for a permitted purpose and within the scope allowed by the contract and internal rules.
  • Understand the internal AI policy, for example one prepared through L1 — Align.
  • Know how to handle personal data when working with AI.

3. Apply AI effectively

What this means: Apply AI to your own work: choose appropriate tools, give clear instructions and integrate them into a workflow.

In practice:

  • Use the fundamentals of prompt engineering.
  • Know relevant AI tools for your role.
  • Apply AI to real work tasks and evaluate whether it helps.

4. Evaluate AI critically

What this means: Review AI outputs rather than accepting them automatically. Understand that AI can make mistakes and establish who is responsible for reviewing and using a particular result.

In practice:

  • Check the factual accuracy of outputs.
  • Compare them with other sources.
  • Recognise when a result does not make sense.

From individuals to the organisation

The diagram shows the intended relationship: capable individuals and an AI champion support changes in work habits, which may influence organisational culture. Outcomes also depend on leadership support, processes, available tools and room to practise. AI champions in L3 — Innovate help coordinate that change.

How to develop the competencies

CompetencyWhere to startNext step
Understanding AIL0 — Navigate for orientationLearning in L2 — Transform for a deeper understanding
Safe useL1 — Align for policies and awarenessPractice in an approved sandbox
Effective usePrompt engineeringHands-on exercises using real tasks
Critical evaluationAwareness activitiesPeer review and feedback