AI Surge: Over A Third Of European Businesses Now Use AI To Meet Goals
Over a third of European businesses have embraced artificial intelligence (AI) to meet their goals, according to a recent report commissioned by Amazon Web Services (AWS). The study found that the adoption of AI has been driven by the increasing use of generative AI in various industries.
In 2023, more than 33% of European businesses adopted AI, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. This surge in AI adoption is seen as a positive step towards achieving the objectives of the European Commission’s 2030 Digital Decade vision. The vision aims to transform the region, with targets including 80% of the European population acquiring basic digital skills, ubiquitous 5G connectivity, and 75% of EU companies using cloud services.
The report indicates that Europe was at risk of falling behind its Digital Decade goals by a decade, as only a quarter of EU businesses had embraced AI in 2022. However, the accelerated uptake of AI in 2023 has helped get Europe back on track.
According to Tanuja Randery, the Managing Director at AWS, the accessibility of generative AI has sparked an appetite for experimentation among consumers and businesses across the continent. The survey conducted by Strand Partners, which involved over 14,000 businesses and 16,000 citizens, revealed that 38% of companies were currently experimenting with AI.
The report also estimates that AI’s positive economic impact could reach an additional 600 billion euros. This is in addition to a previous estimate of 2.8 trillion euros, showcasing the immense potential of AI technology to drive economic growth and innovation in Europe.
The increased adoption of AI in European businesses has the potential to bring numerous benefits. AI-powered technologies can optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive productivity across various sectors. With AI becoming more accessible and its benefits increasingly acknowledged, European companies are eager to integrate AI into their strategies.
However, while the surge in AI adoption is promising, there are still challenges to overcome. One critical challenge is bridging the skills gap. The report highlights the need for governments to invest in closing this gap by providing adequate training and upskilling opportunities to ensure the successful integration of AI.
In conclusion, the recent report commissioned by AWS reveals the significant progress made by European businesses in adopting AI. With over a third of companies embracing AI, Europe is moving closer to achieving its Digital Decade goals. The accelerated uptake of AI technology presents opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and improved efficiencies across industries. However, addressing the skills gap will be crucial to fully unlock the potential of AI and ensure its successful integration in European businesses.
