Organizations Struggle to Adopt Artificial Intelligence
Organizations feel pressure to accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) but have yet to see the anticipated gains. This is coupled with the lack of necessary infrastructure to scale their deployments.
AI Readiness Index
According to Cisco’s 2024 AI Readiness Index, just 23% say they have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands. The index surveyed 3,600 senior business leaders across 14 Asia-Pacific markets, including Japan and China.
Data Security and Governance
Another 30% of respondents have the capabilities to safeguard data in their AI models with end–to–end encryption, security audits, continuous monitoring, and instant threat response.
Deployment and Tapping AI-Powered Technologies
Moreover, only 15% of respondents are fully prepared to deploy and tap AI-powered technologies, compared to 17% last year, Cisco said. The index assesses six areas to measure AI readiness, including strategy, data, governance, and culture.
Pressure to Deploy AI
Across the Asia-Pacific, 98% of respondents expressed an increased urgency to deploy AI over the past year, with 49% pointing to their CEO and leadership team as the main source of pressure. Another 40% said their middle management was feeling pushed to adopt AI, while 36% cited their board of directors.
Investing in AI
These organizations are setting aside resources for AI, with 50% parking between 10% and 30% of their IT budget to AI deployments. Some 30% plan to spend at least 40% of their IT budget on AI initiatives over the next four to five years, 5% more than those spending the same proportion currently.
Priorities
Half of the respondents highlight the need to improve the scalability and manageability of their IT infrastructure as a top priority. Some 42% are spending their AI funds on cybersecurity, 40% are focusing on IT infrastructure, and 34% are investing in data analysis and management.
Returns on Investment
However, more than 40% have not seen any returns on their investment or described the gains as short of their expectations to augment, assist, or automate current processes, the study revealed.
Conclusion
The article highlights the challenges organizations face in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI. With the increasing pressure to deploy AI, organizations must adopt a comprehensive approach to implementation and connect the dots to link AI ambition with readiness.
FAQs
Q: What percentage of respondents have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands?
A: 23%
Q: What percentage of respondents have the capabilities to safeguard data in their AI models?
A: 30%
Q: What percentage of respondents are fully prepared to deploy and tap AI-powered technologies?
A: 15%
Q: What percentage of respondents expressed an increased urgency to deploy AI over the past year?
A: 98%
Q: What percentage of respondents plan to spend at least 40% of their IT budget on AI initiatives over the next four to five years?
A: 30%
