Key Takeaway
As geopolitical tensions rise, the technology sector faces challenges amid rapid digital transformation. The UK is striving for AI leadership through its AI Action Plan, competing with the US and China. However, Microsoft’s research highlights a growing ‘AI divide’ among UK organizations, which could hinder economic growth and public service advancements. The study, conducted by Dr. Chris Brauer, surveyed 1,480 leaders and 1,440 employees, revealing that 54% of organizations lack a formal AI strategy. While top businesses have clear AI plans, many remain unprepared for the future of autonomous AI systems.
As geopolitical tensions rise globally, the technology sector is navigating a challenging landscape while rapidly advancing digital transformation.
The UK, in particular, has stepped up its efforts with its AI Action Plan, challenging the longstanding leaders, China and the US. However, in the quest for AI dominance, essential foundational elements are being overlooked.
Despite the UK’s ambitious AI initiatives, Microsoft has conducted new research revealing a widening ‘AI divide’ among UK organizations that could hinder economic growth and improvements in public services if not addressed.
The study: Agents of Change, led by Dr. Chris Brauer at Goldsmiths, University of London, and commissioned by Microsoft, assesses AI readiness across various UK sectors and provides a roadmap for how the UK can achieve AI supremacy.
Key challenges hindering the UK’s AI success
The research, which surveyed 1,480 senior leaders and 1,440 employees from both public and private sectors, found that 54% of organizations still lack a formal AI strategy.
While the top-performing businesses exhibit clear AI strategies and readiness for agentic AI—systems capable of acting autonomously on behalf of users—many organizations remain unprepared.
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