Report: UK AI adoption – cautious optimism and emerging enthusiasm

A global study conducted by consultancy BearingPoint has identified that the ‘UK leads in AI enthusiasm and maturity, yet faces challenges in bridging skills gaps and governance’. We summarise the key points.

The report is based on a survey results from over 700 C-Suite level respondents, including 150 respondents from the UK. It found that 

• 21% of UK companies are actively adopting AI technologies, nearly double the global average (12%);
• UK does well compared to other countries in some sectors, such as automatic and manufacturing having a higher rate of AI adoption in the UK than in Germany and France;
• the Public Sector stands out compared to other industries.  54% of organisations having no AI implementation plans or only beginning to explore possibilities, and only 3% expecting AI to have a transformational impact in the next 5-10 years — the lowest rate across all industries surveyed.

In terms of AI impact, 8% of UK organisations expect AI to have a transformational impact over the next 5-10 years, whereas a substantial 58% predict moderate impacts. 

The key concerns for AI adoption include data privacy and security and followed by talent gap.  Other significant barriers include "lack of clarity in governance, high costs, uncertain ROI, and navigating ethical considerations".

If you would like to discuss how current or future regulations impact what you do with AI, please contact Tom Whittaker, Brian Wong, Lucy Pegler, David Varney, or Martin Cook. 

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