By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
AI Innovation is Key for UK Businesses, but Challenges Could Stall Progress
IT leaders across the UK recognize artificial intelligence as a crucial opportunity for transforming their organizations, but widespread adoption is hindered by various challenges, including skill shortages, infrastructure demands, rising energy costs, and cyber threats. Despite nearly all IT leaders planning to integrate AI, 88% fear their data centers won’t be able to handle the increased data from AI, and 78% are concerned their infrastructure may fall short of AI requirements.
These insights come from a global survey conducted by Pure Storage involving 1,500 C level executives. The report, titled The Innovation Race Reducing Risk and Navigating the AI Frontier for Future Success, underscores AI’s potential to drive innovation in the UK. However, the report also reveals that ongoing challenges such as the need for infrastructure upgrades and higher energy costs are obstructing progress.
A key finding of the report is that a significant portion of IT budgets and resources will be allocated to AI in the coming year, with nearly half of IT budgets and 53% of departmental time expected to focus on AI efforts. Most UK businesses are either planning to or already adopting AI strategies, with 42% having established AI-first strategies that incorporate AI into every new use case.
AI is most valued for its ability to enhance efficiency and automate repetitive tasks, as cited by 53% of respondents. It is also recognized for personalizing customer experiences and supporting data driven decision making. Despite these advantages, 49% of UK business leaders identify cyber threats as the primary obstacle to innovation, with 87% expressing concerns that their cybersecurity budgets could be better invested in driving innovation.
UK IT teams are further constrained by rising energy costs and the demands of day to day operations. In fact, 56% of UK companies reported focusing on basic operational tasks, the highest rate among the countries surveyed. Additionally, 37% cited difficulties in recruiting skilled workers as a significant risk to their ability to innovate.
Wes van den Berg, regional VP for the UK and Ireland at Pure Storage, remarked that UK IT leaders are anxious about falling behind in the innovation race. He emphasized the importance of addressing rising energy costs and preparing for AI with a hybrid infrastructure to balance security needs with the pursuit of innovation.
