Guest blog (BSI): UK businesses have a clear path forward on AI – but action needs to be taken to realise full benefits

What are the differences in how AI being embraced across the globe and what’s the path ahead for UK businesses? BSI’s Craig Civil, Director of Data Science and AI, discusses.

In today’s world new technological frontiers are being achieved every day but AI is perhaps the foremost tool gaining traction and attracting global attention, perhaps because of the great opportunities it offers and the ethical questions it presents. And perhaps because what really sets it apart is that it offers immense power that's readily available and increasingly accessible to all.

Some businesses, sectors and indeed and some governments are welcoming AI with open arms, but the reception is not consistent everywhere. According to BSI’s exploration of business activity and attitudes towards AI, which drew on the views of nearly 1,000 business leaders globally, more than three quarters of them (76%) feel that organisations will be at a competitive disadvantage if they do not invest in AI.

To understand the data, we developed BSI’s International AI Maturity Model, assessing and weighting a suite of measures including organizational confidence and readiness. The model identified India as the most AI mature market, scoring 4.58 to China’s 4.25. By comparison, the UK and Japan were found to be less mature relative to others, scoring a 1.8 and 1.3 respectively – potentially influenced by factors including policy direction or media narratives focused on risk rather than opportunity.

Clearly, some organisations are investing more heavily, or prioritizing proactive communications and training, or have simply developed more positive attitudes to and greater trust in AI. The fact that the Maturity Model shows greater engagement with AI in India and China may reflect that both are countries in which AI has been made a strategic growth priority by governments and media.

The UK picture

Moving against this trend the UK stands out for its apparently slower progress, surpassed only by Japan. Considering the media and political buzz about AI here, that might seem surprising. But our more risk-focused media and political culture may mean there is a natural inclination to caution when it comes to new technologies and a gap in trust. In fact, globally 78% say they have greater trust in AI than a year ago, whereas just under two thirds (64%) in the UK agree.

Across the board engagement was high, with most business leaders saying their businesses encourage the use of AI (77%) – yet this fell to 65% for the UK. And while two thirds (65%) globally agreed that innovation is more important than protecting existing jobs, the UK was particularly resistant to this, with 37% rejecting the statement entirely.

What can UK businesses do?

Crucially, AI’s mass adoption and integration is a marathon, not a sprint. The UK isn’t at a disadvantage for being more cautious – in fact this may offer businesses more time to get the guardrails right and build the trust that will be key to unlocking the opportunities for the UK. So what can they do to achieve that?

Firstly, it’s about ensuring the opportunity isn’t limited to large businesses with deep pockets. There is an opportunity for Britain’s mid-size and large organizations to partner with small businesses including in their supply chain, to share successes with AI and support adoption across the piece. Those that are out in front need to lead and inspire and set the standard for an AI future in which the technology is a force for good.

This includes embedding high standards from the outset. There is work to be done here as 87% of UK respondents recognize the importance of a safe and ethical approach to AI. BSI recently published the first international AI management system standard (BS ISO/IEC 42001) - however only 13% of UK respondents were aware of significant moves by their business to implement such policies and processes.

There are other critical considerations for UK business leaders. Thinking long term is vital; looking at AI as part of wider business strategy not as something that sits apart from this. Once the foundations are in place, businesses can optimise and evolve their AI strategy as technology advances. Notably, just 32% UK businesses have an AI strategy.

More broadly, UK businesses can take steps now to instil trust in AI in the wider business ecosystem by clarifying priorities and taking the action needed to deliver. At present there is a gulf between what business leaders say are priorities to instil trust in AI and the extent to which action is being taken, whether around guardrails, training or stakeholder engagement. Now is a key moment for UK leaders to act on these areas.

Regardless of where UK businesses are on their AI journey today, such steps could enable them to make not just good but great use of AI in every area of life and shape a safe and ethical AI ecosystem that we can all have confidence in.

Author: Craig Civil, Director of Data Science and AI, BSI