© 2026 MIT Center for Information Systems Research, Thorogood, Reynolds, and Gill. MIT CISR Research Briefings are published monthly to update the center’s member organizations on current research projects.
Establishing Guardrails on the AI Roller Coaster
Abstract
A surge of energy, investment, and optimism is driving organizations to adopt artificial intelligence (AI). However, these efforts carry risks, including wasted resources from redundant investments and added operational complexity and costs. Like a roller coaster, AI initiatives require carefully designed safeguards to move fast but avoid calamity. As these initiatives proliferate throughout the organization, implementing unique controls for every AI application becomes unsustainable. Drawing on interviews, this briefing identifies four domains where guardrails matter most for managing AI and effective controls, illustrated by a case vignette about fintech Tunic Pay.
About the Researchers
MIT CENTER FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH (CISR)
Founded in 1974 and grounded in MIT's tradition of combining academic knowledge and practical purpose, MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading increasingly digital and data-driven organizations. We work directly with digital leaders, executives, and boards to develop our insights. Our research is funded by member organizations that support our work and participate in our consortium.