IBM: Companies Prove to be Unprepared for the Use of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence has sparked significant discussions in recent months. IBM's annual study, "CEO decision-making in the age of AI, Act with intention," provides interesting insights on this subject. As a result, 3 out of 4 (75%) of the participating companies believe that the organization with the most advanced generative artificial intelligence will have a competitive advantage. However, as with any rapidly developing technology, businesses are proving to be unprepared and uncertain about how to use it. Cerasela Baiculescu, Country Leader of IBM Romania and Moldova, stated, "We are at the beginning of a journey to understand the power, scope, and capabilities of generative artificial intelligence. Naturally, recent developments in AI have inspired business leaders to reassess its potential in tech and how it can help drive business growth. Companies need to act - and quickly, given the speed at which generative AI could be adopted - to accelerate digital transformation. AI is transforming the way activities are conducted in human resources, IT, procurement, finance, customer services, and more. We are strengthening our supply chains, safeguarding critical enterprise data from cyber threats, and enhancing customer experiences across various industries. AI is a powerful tool for automating business processes and routine tasks, as well as achieving sustainability goals." The study shows that the main obstacles to adopting generative artificial intelligence are as follows: data readiness, data security, regulation, and compliance. Executives assess the risks or potential obstacles of the technology, such as bias, ethics, and security. More than half (57%) of the participating companies in the study are concerned about data security, and 48% are concerned about bias or data accuracy. However, as with any rapidly developing technology, businesses are unprepared and uncertain about how to use artificial intelligence. There is also a discrepancy between company leaders and their teams regarding AI readiness. Half (50%) of companies already report integrating generative AI into products and services, and 43% say they use it for strategic decisions. However, only 29% of executive teams agree that they have the internal expertise needed to adopt generative AI. Adrian Năstase, Country Leader and Chairman of the Board of ASEE Solutions Romania, added, "The increased statistics on the adoption of artificial intelligence truly reflect reality. In the last 2 years, interest in AI has grown exponentially. We are on the cusp of a revolution. I am confident that the future will largely belong to this technology and will be a part of each of our lives. Ethics is a very important aspect to consider when discussing AI. I am referring to how we use this technology to our advantage, to achieve our goals, and to provide numerous benefits to the business. We are internally investigating means to enhance productivity through artificial intelligence. Moreover, I believe that adaptability to new technologies is the key to future success." The statements were made during a roundtable hosted by IBM in Bucharest, alongside their partner, ASEE Solutions Romania. Companies assert that productivity - and the technology supporting it - is a priority according to a McKinsey survey. Global adoption of artificial intelligence in large enterprises has doubled from 2017 to the present. The impact of AI is already being felt in various industries as well as in global workplaces. According to the study, leaders worldwide state that productivity, technological advancement, and customer experience are their top priorities for the next three years. The need to adopt generative AI as a business and decision-making tool is a significant moment - a moment when companies need to set clear plans and be prepared to use AI. However, the study shows that fewer than 1 in 3 companies have completed an assessment of the potential impact of generative AI on the workforce. Furthermore, 2 out of 3 leaders can act without a clear vision of how to help their employees adapt to the changes brought about by AI. Nevertheless, as more and more companies adopt AI, the long-term trend is clear: only 1 in 5 companies do not intend to use AI. Accessibility is the primary factor driving its adoption.