CASE AI Coffee Chat: AI in Practice - Lessons from Getting Started at LSE-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session was an AI Coffee Chat hosted by CASE, featuring Mary and Melina from LSE’s Philanthropy and Global Engagement division. The discussion began with an icebreaker on how participants use AI, with common uses including email drafting, summarising documents, research, presentations, troubleshooting, and data analysis.<br /><br />LSE then shared its approach to introducing AI as a gradual, learning-based process rather than a finished model. Key themes included building a clear governance framework, defining ownership, and creating a policy that enables responsible use instead of blocking experimentation. Their policy focuses on acceptable use, cybersecurity, ethical considerations, data protection, and reputational risk.<br /><br />A major part of the rollout was LSE’s volunteer-led Early Adopters Programme. Staff tested AI in real day-to-day work, shared feedback, and helped shape broader policy and rollout decisions. The programme also created ambassadors and encouraged peer learning, which helped build confidence across the institution.<br /><br />Melina outlined LSE’s “bucket” model for AI adoption in PAGE:  <br />1) using generative AI like Copilot for immediate productivity gains,  <br />2) exploring integration of AI into systems like the CRM and research tools, and  <br />3) considering longer-term impacts on strategy, operating models, staffing, and finances.<br /><br />They stressed that AI adoption is not just about technology, but also about behaviour change, training, mental fatigue, and protecting human judgment. Success should not be measured by adoption rate alone, but by meaningful, sustainable change in how work is done. CASE closed with links to AI resources, case studies, and upcoming events.

Keywords

AI Coffee Chat

CASE

LSE

philanthropy

global engagement

governance framework

early adopters programme

generative AI

policy

data protection