AI readiness glossary
Plain-language definitions for the terms behind the AIR framework.
Core terms
AIR Index: a 0 to 100 score of AI readiness, overall and per pillar, mapped to the six-tier ladder.
Tier: one of six contiguous readiness bands, from Legacy to Autonomous.
Pillar: one of the five capabilities AIR measures (Operating Model, Value and Offering, Talent, Governance, Tool Standardization).
Sub-dimension: a specific lens within a pillar, derived from the deep diagnostic, that the tier climb is anchored to.
Fix-first pillar: the lowest-scoring pillar, where readiness is decided and where you should start.
Governance terms
NIST AI RMF: a voluntary US framework to govern, map, measure, and manage AI risk.
EU AI Act: a risk-tiered European regulation governing AI systems by their level of risk.
ISO/IEC 42001: a certifiable management-system standard for operating AI responsibly.
Shadow AI: ungoverned AI tools adopted by individuals outside any policy or selection process.