A quarterly survey of over 2,800 AI leaders by Deloitte reveals persistent excitement about generative AI’s potential paired with uncertainty on managing emerging challenges. Key insights include:
High expectations for transformation
Nearly 80% expect substantial industry transformation from generative AI within 3 years. 14% believe it’s already transforming their organization. However, progress remains slow currently, focused on limited pilots versus scaling adoption.
Confidence in expertise – with caveats
44% rate their generative AI expertise as high or very high. Those reporting greater expertise also have broader implementation and feel higher urgency to adopt. However, the tech is advancing so rapidly that gaps likely exist even for front-runners.
Focus on efficiency before innovation
Most organizations are targeting tactical improvements like cost and productivity versus long-term innovation. As expertise increases, more strategic uses should follow. Allocating efficiency gains to fund differentiation will be key.
Unprepared on risk and talent
Only 25% feel highly prepared to address generative AI risk and governance while just 22% are highly prepared to address talent implications like reskilling. With adoption expanding, proactive management of these critical areas is essential.
Societal impacts raise concerns
Half of respondents expect generative AI to increase inequality and concentrate economic power, eroding trust in institutions. This suggests why 78% support more governmental regulation around AI advances.
The results highlight leaders’ pressing need to move beyond AI experimentation. Scaling adoption necessitates strategies for managing talent change, instilling responsible governance, and directing early efficiency gains toward sustained differentiation. While uncertainty persists given AI’s rapid evolution, progress depends on expanding expertise and implementation breadth.
The next frontiers include tailoring solutions to specialized industry needs, determining optimal build versus buy approaches, and establishing guardrails aligned to shifting societal expectations. With AI permeating business and society, its responsible development calls for global collaboration among governments and organizations.
