Artificial Intelligence is Unavoidable, Has Bright Future, Business Survey Finds

A recent opinion research survey of business organizations by Glastonbury-based Great Blue Research reveals an array of concerns regarding the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, including data privacy and security (39%), and accuracy and trustworthiness of AI (37%).

Beyond the technical challenges, ethical considerations are also top-of-mind, according to researchers, with 87% of respondents acknowledging their importance.

Researchers note that amidst the COVID pandemic and its aftermath, as “businesses faced unprecedented disruptions and labor shortages, they turned to AI-powered solutions to automate tasks, streamline operations, and maintain a competitive edge.”  The analysis continued, “This surge in AI adoption reflects a growing recognition of its potential to enhance productivity, improve decision-making, and drive innovation in a rapidly changing business environment.”

In recent years, AI has become “more than just a digital assistant—nearly three-quarters (71%) of businesses believe AI will bring transformative or significant change, either by creating entirely new business models or reshaping existing operations within their industry over the next one to three years.”

A majority of respondents (87%) agreed that AI’s ethical implications are an important consideration in their organization's strategy, while over two-thirds (67%) feel their organization is well-prepared to navigate potential disruptions AI may cause in their industry.  Business organizations participating in the survey also indicated:

·         AI tools are now being used by employees at least once daily (60%), with 40% utilizing them multiple times a day.

·         More than three-quarters (78%) of organizations believe AI is essential for meeting customer expectations and enhancing their overall experience.

Nearly two-fifths of respondents (39%) expressed concerns about data privacy and security when implementing AI solutions in their organization. Additionally, over one-third (37%) cited challenges regarding the accuracy and trustworthiness of AI-generated results, data, and analysis.

Half of respondents (50%) believe that regulatory bodies should play a supporting role rather than a leading role, providing guidelines while allowing room for innovation.

The survey analysis concludes that “with careful planning and strategic implementation, the future of AI in business holds the promise of operational efficiency, improved decision-making, and enhanced customer experiences, making it a tool that is not just here to stay, but to thrive.”

The nationwide survey conducted between November 18 - December 2, 2024, aimed at understanding the current landscape of AI adoption within businesses. A total of 134 business leaders participated in the survey, representing a range of organizational sizes and industries across the United States.  The survey results and analysis were released in February 2025.