AI Governance Maturity Model
Assess your organization's AI governance capabilities and chart your path to maturity. This five-level model helps you understand where you are today and what steps to take next.
Understanding the Maturity Model
AI governance maturity evolves through progressive stages. Organizations don't jump directly from no governance to comprehensive programs — they advance through levels, each building on the previous one.
The model recognizes that AI governance excellence looks different for different organizations. A small startup might be appropriately mature at Level 3, while a large financial institution might need Level 4 or 5 capabilities.
Maturity advancement requires sustained commitment. Moving from one level to the next typically takes months or years. Don't try to skip levels — each stage builds essential capabilities needed for the next.
Level 1: Ad-hoc
Little to no formal AI governance. AI usage is unmanaged and reactive.
Key Characteristics
- •No AI inventory or visibility
- •No formal AI policies or standards
- •Reactive approach to AI risks
- •Limited awareness of AI governance needs
- •Shadow AI widespread
Advancement Recommendations
- →Begin AI discovery and create basic inventory
- →Identify critical AI use cases requiring immediate attention
- →Draft initial AI acceptable use policy
- →Establish AI governance leadership and sponsorship
Level 2: Initial
Basic governance practices emerging. Initial policies and processes defined.
Key Characteristics
- •Partial AI inventory exists
- •Basic AI policies documented
- •Some risk assessments conducted
- •Informal governance processes
- •Inconsistent policy enforcement
Advancement Recommendations
- →Complete comprehensive AI inventory
- →Formalize and communicate AI policies
- →Implement basic approval workflows for AI
- →Train teams on AI governance requirements
Level 3: Defined
Documented processes and standards. Governance is systematic but not yet fully mature.
Key Characteristics
- •Comprehensive AI inventory maintained
- •Documented policies and standards
- •Risk assessment processes defined
- •Clear roles and responsibilities
- •Basic monitoring and compliance tracking
Advancement Recommendations
- →Automate governance processes where possible
- →Enhance risk assessment capabilities
- →Implement comprehensive monitoring
- →Establish metrics for governance effectiveness
Level 4: Managed
Quantitative management and continuous improvement. Governance is measured and optimized.
Key Characteristics
- •Automated governance processes
- •Comprehensive monitoring and metrics
- •Regular audits and assessments
- •Data-driven governance improvements
- •Strong compliance and risk management
Advancement Recommendations
- →Benchmark against industry standards
- →Expand advanced AI governance capabilities
- →Integrate AI ethics more deeply
- →Share governance practices industry-wide
Level 5: Optimized
Continuous innovation and optimization. AI governance is a strategic capability.
Key Characteristics
- •AI governance as strategic advantage
- •Continuous innovation in governance practices
- •Industry leadership in responsible AI
- •Proactive adaptation to emerging risks
- •Integration across entire organization
Advancement Recommendations
- →Contribute to AI governance standards development
- →Share best practices with broader community
- →Anticipate and prepare for emerging challenges
- →Maintain and evolve governance leadership position
Self-Assessment Questions
Answer these questions to gauge your organization's current maturity level across the five pillars.
Discovery & Inventory
Policy & Standards
Risk Assessment
Controls & Guardrails
Monitoring & Compliance
Interpreting Your Results
0-20%:Level 1 (Ad-hoc) — Start with basic discovery and policy development
21-40%:Level 2 (Initial) — Focus on formalizing and communicating policies
41-60%:Level 3 (Defined) — Work on automation and enhanced risk management
61-80%:Level 4 (Managed) — Pursue quantitative optimization and benchmarking
81-100%:Level 5 (Optimized) — Drive continuous innovation and industry leadership
Ready to Advance Your Maturity?
Use our framework, templates, and guidance to build the capabilities needed for your next maturity level.
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