Sprocket Redefines AI Literacy Level Definition into a Two-Axis Framework: "Business Tool Development Axis" and "AI Utilization as a Thinking Tool Axis"

Sprocket Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Hiroshi Fukada), which provides a CX improvement platform, has revamped its AI literacy level definition for all employees and released it as a new two-axis framework: "Business Tool Development Axis" and "AI Utilization as a Thinking Tool Axis." Previously, only the "Business Tool Development Axis" was defined, which measured the ability to structure and verbalize business processes to be handed over to AI. This time, in addition to this, we have newly introduced the "AI Utilization as a Thinking Tool Axis," which evaluates the deepening of inquiries to AI and the ability to integrate answers. By establishing a system to evaluate these two axes independently, we aim to improve intellectual productivity through AI utilization and raise the overall business quality of the entire organization.

Background to the AI Literacy Level Definition Refresh

Sprocket is continuously working to improve its organizational design, with "building an organization that trusts its colleagues" as a consistent concept. As part of this, under the premise that all employees actively commit to business growth, we have also been working to create an organization where AI can be utilized as a strategic asset in all tasks, not just specific roles. With the rapid spread of generative AI, we provided an environment for all employees to utilize generative AI starting in 2024, and defined and published 5 levels of AI literacy in early 2025. Related article: All employees decided to improve their AI literacy At that time, the primary intention of the definition was to present mastery goals to be achieved in AI utilization and to provide guidelines for capability development. We called AI that can be repeatedly used for the same purpose and customized for specific tasks or roles "generative AI apps," and defined literacy levels mainly around the "Business Tool Development Axis," which focuses on the utilization and development of such apps. This level setting, centered on the "Business Tool Development Axis," was effective in promoting the AI-fication of business processes. However, as the utilization of generative AI became commonplace, a realization emerged. The realization was that the ability to inquire AI with what purpose and depth, and how to integrate its answers into one's own thinking, is fundamentally different and an independent axis of capability from the "Business Tool Development Axis," which structures and verbalizes business processes into a form that can be handed over to AI.