Report finds 'cautious optimism' around AI adoption in Canada
More than half (52%) of IT decision-makers whose organizations have implemented AI for specific applications believe the process to be easy, according to a CDW report.
And about four in 10 (39%) of those whose organizations have implemented automation and optimization tools say the same.
However, they are less confident in their organization’s ability to implement these things effectively (21% and 27%, respectively).
This reveals “a gap between perception and reality in AI adoption,” says CDW.
“This highlights a lack of trust from IT decision-makers in their company's ability to adopt AI and a misconception that AI is highly complex,” it said. “This also underscores the need for education and awareness initiatives to bridge the gap and allow Canadians to leverage AI effectively.”
With the wide adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools across companies, it seems most employers do not have the necessary tools in place to make for a smooth transition for their workers, according to a previous Gallagher report.
What are the barriers to AI adoption?
Small businesses face unique challenges related to AI adoption, mostly due to their size and structure, according to CDW’s survey of 309 IT decision-makers who are members of the Angus Reid Forum, conducted Feb. 1 to 8, 2024.
For one, just 28% of small businesses are aware of the available data processing and analysis tools, compared to 60% of large companies.
“This knowledge gap suggests that small businesses may lack exposure to resources necessary to stay ahead of technology trends, often due to time and financial constraints required for investment, despite being more agile in their ability to implement new processes,” said CDW.
While 37% of larger companies have found an enhanced customer experience from AI implementation, just 18% of small businesses have experienced the same. Also, only 20% of small businesses have found improved decision-making, compared to 44% of larger businesses.
“This discrepancy underscores the lower priority that AI adoption holds for small businesses, which is only exacerbated when their current AI usage fails to produce significant results,” says CDW.
The three key risk factors cited by small businesses that lead to limited AI adoption include:
- ethical implications around consent and autonomy (52%)
- over-reliance on potential AI systems (47%)
- economic and employment impacts (38%)
More than two in five (43%) Canadians say they know very little or nothing about AI, TECHNATION previously reported.
What are the benefits of implementing AI?
Still, there’s “cautious optimism around AI adoption in Canada,” says CDW.
Over six-in-ten (61%) businesses are open to using AI, and 51% already feel comfortable about its current use.
The most common benefits Canadian organizations believe they will experience following investment in AI include:
- increased productivity and efficiency (58%)
- increased data/information availability (48%)
- financial benefits or cost reductions (42%)
Currently, the three most significant ways organizations utilize AI and data analytics tools are:
- analyzing data/consumer data analysis (15%)
- customer service/CRM/help desk (10%)
- efficiency (7%)
Four in 10 executives believe that investing in GenAI will deliver the biggest boost to productivity in their organisations, according to a previous report from Mercer.
How do you optimize artificial intelligence?
CDW shares the following recommendations to help employers optimize AI adoption:
- Tailor solutions to specific employee, team and organizational needs.
- Partner with a third-party IT solutions provider.
- Invest in employee development and education.
- Conduct an assessment on diverse AI options.
“The AI landscape is diverse and constantly evolving and each organization has varying AI needs and levels of maturity. By approaching AI adoption with flexibility and an openness to new information, businesses can effectively harness its potential and stay ahead in today's rapidly evolving landscape,” says CDW.
