Accelerating AI-powered digital innovation through “APSS'': A novel methodology for sustainable business AI transformation

The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) brings forth an array of challenges and concerns that might hinder adoption and prevent the seizing of innovation opportunities. Coupled with the low success rate of digitalisation projects, the urgency for a structured approach to AI-driven business transformation becomes paramount. This article introduces the “APSS” methodology — a four-phase conceptual framework comprising Awareness, Piloting, Scaling, and Sustainability — designed to guide organisations through successful and sustainable AI-powered transformations. The methodology outlines a systematic progression: building organisational awareness, piloting AI applications to address specific business needs, scaling successful initiatives, and embedding AI into long-term strategies for sustained impact. Grounded in both theoretical and practical application insights, the “APSS” methodology offers a comprehensive roadmap for mitigating risks, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation. A case study demonstrates the implementation of the methodology in a major technology-driven organisation in Greece, highlighting its applicability and effectiveness in overcoming adoption barriers and creating measurable business value. This work contributes to the academic and practical discourse by offering a replicable practical yet academically backed framework for AI adoption that integrates change management, open innovation, and human-centricity principles.