Navigating the Generative AI-Enabled Enterprise Architecture Landscape: Critical Success Factors for AI Adoption and Strategic Integration

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into enterprise processes is rapidly transforming Enterprise Architecture. This paper discusses the transformative potential and strategic importance of Generative AI (GenAI) in Enterprise Architecture (EA), asserting that GenAI adoption is no longer a peripheral consideration or merely an optional enhancement but essential for organizations aiming for significant advancements and break through results. GenAI promises to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making, but it also requires a shift in the skills of EA professionals and leaders, ushering in a new era of capabilities and challenges. As new technologies like GenAI emerge, leaders, architects, and IT professionals must evolve to stay relevant in the AI-driven landscape. The paper emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to responsible AI development, including careful training data selection, robust data governance, stakeholder collaboration, and support for clear international regulations. Such strategies ensure risk minimization and trust-building, key to thriving in the GenAI-led business transformation. The study highlights ten critical success factors (CSFs) for EA professionals, IT experts, and leaders to excel in this new era: strategic assessment, data governance, risk management, infrastructure, human-AI collaboration, continuous innovation, deep industry knowledge, core process proficiency, digital literacy, data visualization, and analytical skills. Developing these factors can position enterprise figures not only to succeed in this AI-centric epoch but also to define the future of Enterprise Architecture and gain a competitive edge.