Abstract

Simply "mastering AI" isn't enough to survive. What are the "five advantages" that make a company strong against AI?

AI is changing the rules of competition. Companies that merely use AI are different from companies that will win in the AI era. What determines victory or defeat is a "superior structure" and the "five weapons (moats)" that protect it.

This book analyzes "what AI has changed" and explains the mindset for competitive advantage that prevents AI from encroaching. This will have repercussions not only in the software industry, but also in manufacturing, retail, finance, healthcare, and all other industries!

"AI changes. Models are replaced. Functions become obsolete. However, structures built over time do not disappear easily. Can we strengthen even one structural asset today that will allow our company to continue winning even if competitors introduce the same AI tomorrow? Companies that continue to ask themselves this question will be the companies that survive in the AI era." -- From the text

◎What are the five moats?
1. Master Data: Possessing official, accurate master data.
2. Workflow: Not just a single function, but integrated into the entire business flow.
3. Distribution: Having customer relationships and sales channels, and being present from the beginning.
4. Ecosystem: Creating a system where other companies can profit on top of your own.
5. Scale: Not just low prices, but where scale is transformed into structural strength.

Author’s Information

Director of Technology Consulting at EY Strategy & Consulting Co., Ltd. After working at a major think tank, he assumed his current position in July 2025. His publications include "AI Agent" (Nikkei Bunko), "Generative AI: 30 Issues 2025-2026" (Nikkei BP, Nikkei Business Publications), "Death by Amazon," "The Big Prediction: Key Technologies Coming Next 2018-2019" (Nikkei Business Publications), "ChatGPT Capitalism," "The Impact of Cloud Computing," "The Impact of Big Data," "The Impact of FinTech," and "The Impact of Embedded Finance" (all published by Toyo Keizai Inc.), and he co-authored "IT Roadmap" (Toyo Keizai Inc.).