Canadian businesses are exploring the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms such as ChatGPT, however, adoption of AI technology remains low. A survey by KPMG in Canada found that only 37 per cent of Canadian companies are looking at ways the platform can help with their operations, compared to the nearly three-quarters (65 per cent) of U.S. businesses currently using the technology.
Overall, adoption of AI among Canadian organizations is much lower than that in the U.S., with only 35 per cent of Canadian businesses using AI versus 72 per cent in the U.S. Businesses that have taken the plunge into AI have largely employed it in call centres and cite lack of skilled talent and quality data to train AI algorithms as the main challenges to using the technology effectively.
Benjie Thomas, Canadian Managing Partner, Advisory Services at KPMG in Canada, noted that “Canadian organizations are trailing behind their U.S. counterparts when it comes to AI adoption, and it comes at a time when developments in the space are moving fast. Generative AI can be a force for good if used correctly and responsibly and it enables businesses to be more efficient, productive and competitive. Canadian businesses that don’t adopt AI today might be putting themselves at risk of falling behind, especially as competitors south of the border continue to advance in this field.”
KPMG in Canada Partner and National Data and Digital Lead, Zoe Willis, suggested steps for organizations to get their data ready in order to use AI effectively. “Data integrity, privacy, reliability, accountability, fairness and security” are all considerations to be taken into account when designing a comprehensive responsible AI framework, but monitoring, evaluation and continuous evolution are also important, added KPMG in Canada Partner and Advisory, IT & Emerging Technology Risk Leader, Kareem Sadek.
Unfortunately, survey respondents reported only 43 per cent of Canadian organizations have adopted responsible AI frameworks (72 per cent in the U.S.) while only half of those believe that their organization strictly adheres to it (70 per cent in the U.S.).
About KPMG
KPMG LLP, a limited liability partnership, is a Canada-based full-service audit, tax and advisory firm owned and operated by Canadians. Since its establishment over 150 years ago, KPMG’s professionals have provided consulting, accounting, auditing and tax services, to Canadian private and public sector clients. KPMG is consistently ranked one of Canada’s top employers and one of the best places to work in the country. The firm employs more than 10,000 people across 40 locations in Canada.
