What is slowing down the introduction of AI in companies?

Epam Systems, a provider of digital transformation services and product development, has published the AI research report "From Hype to Impact: How Enterprises Can Unlock Real Business Value with AI". The study shows a remarkable discrepancy between perception and reality when it comes to the introduction of AI in companies. Company representatives from the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, France, the Netherlands, Singapore and Argentina were surveyed. Almost half (49%) of respondents rated their company as "advanced" in AI implementation. Of the remaining companies, 32 percent described themselves as "competent", 14 percent as "beginners" and 5 percent as "disruptors". However, only 26% of those who described themselves as advanced companies and disruptors have successfully brought AI use cases to market.

Based on a survey of 7300 respondents from nine countries and eight industries, the report examines the current state of AI adoption and the challenges and opportunities for companies looking to generate tangible business value from AI investments.

After the experimental phase

"Following the launch of ChatGPT and throughout 2023 and 2024, we have seen companies from all industries experimenting with AI. The proofs of concept developed are primarily aimed at immediate productivity gains and operational efficiency," says Elaina Shekhter, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Epam. "This new study clearly shows that we are now entering a new phase. Now, success depends on identifying and strategically prioritizing high-value use cases to achieve broad organizational impact. Organizations that can effectively align their talent, data and technology to these priority use cases will be the ones that actually deploy AI at scale in 2025 and beyond and realize business value from their AI investments."

Companies plan to increase their AI spending by 14 percent year-over-year by 2025 - signaling continued commitment to AI-driven growth. Scaling AI remains a challenge: while 30 percent of technologically advanced companies have successfully implemented AI at scale, many organizations are struggling to close the gap between experimentation and enterprise-wide adoption. Disruptors attribute 53 percent of their expected 2025 profits to AI investments. This represents a tangible financial impact for market leaders.

18 months for AI governance 

Companies expect it to take at least 18 months to implement effective AI governance models. This again highlights the complexity of aligning AI with the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

43 percent of all organizations surveyed plan to fill AI-related positions by 2025, with machine learning engineers and AI researchers being the most in-demand positions. "Improved productivity and operational efficiency are universal goals, but the true transformation lies in bridging the gap between technical teams and the business," says Dmitry Tovpeko, VP, Engineering, Epam. "As AI transforms the business, developers are evolving from task-oriented users to strategic experts who use AI responsibly for end-to-end scenarios. Success depends not on tech stacks or cloud infrastructures, but on tech teams aligning with business goals to solve real customer problems."

People, data and technology

The report highlights the importance of aligning people, data and technology to realize the full potential of AI and deliver real business value. It also identifies four critical areas for the successful adoption of artificial intelligence. The first is people, processes and culture. The second area is the modernization of business and technology. The third key area is security. The fourth area concerns governance and responsible AI. Here, 75 percent of advanced companies state that they have already developed clear AI strategies. (rk)

epam.com