Almost half (48 percent) of organisations have admitted that they lack the specialist skills to maximise artificial intelligence (AI), according to a survey published by FDM Group.

The survey, carried out at London Tech Week, focused on AI adoption and the barriers organisations are facing.

A significant majority, 64 percent, are already using AI frequently in day-to-day operations, but admitted that AI adoption did not necessarily indicate that they had the expertise to leverage its full potential.

For those utilising AI, 61 percent see automation for operational efficiency and customer service as the top use cases for AI.

Meanwhile, just over a third (35 per cent) of organisations claimed that their biggest barrier to AI adoption is the concern around data security.

Sheila Flavell CBE, COO of FDM Group, commented: “These statistics underscore the pressing need for a workforce adept in AI to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge. It’s not just about keeping pace with change, but actively shaping the future through informed and skilled application of AI technologies. By investing in the development of specialist skills for employees, companies can ensure they are well-positioned to leverage AI to its fullest extent.”

This survey comes shortly after the Seoul AI Summit, which had a heavy emphasis on the need to implement regulatory frameworks that ensure the safe and ethical development of AI, while simultaneously fostering an environment that encourages innovation and technological advancement. At the Summit, 16 organisations signed up for voluntary AI safety standards in an effort to protect against risks.