Designing a Responsible AI Program? Start with this Checklist

Author: Reid Blackman, Ingrid Vasiliu-Feltes · Publication: Harvard Business Review
yes
Summary: Eight critical questions organizations should answer before implementing enterprise-wide responsible AI programs to avoid rushing deployment and wasting resources.

Editorial Notes

A practical, action-oriented checklist for leaders who need to stand up a responsible AI program without getting lost in theory. The authors identify eight questions every organization should answer before deploying AI at scale: from defining objectives and connecting values to procedures, to designing metrics (KPIs and OKRs), training oversight personnel, and creating a strategic roadmap. For product leaders and CEOs, the most valuable insight is that responsible AI isn’t a one-time compliance exercise — it requires ongoing governance, dedicated personnel, and alignment with broader enterprise priorities. Use this checklist to assess your organization’s readiness before your next AI initiative, and bring it to your board as a framework for AI risk oversight. Pair this with the EU AI Act compliance guide to cover both the internal governance and external regulatory dimensions.

Source: AI Strategy & Leadership
Link last verified: 2026-04-08