Boosting Skills Essential for Successful AI Implementation, DNV Report Reveals
Høvik, 11 December 2024 – Two out of ten companies are currently in the process of implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, according to DNV's report, "Starting the Artificial Intelligence Journey." The report, based on a survey of 1,626 companies across Europe, North America, Central and South America, and Asia, highlights that while 21% of companies are adopting AI, the primary motivations for those that have begun include streamlining operations and cost-cutting. However, the report also identifies significant barriers, including weak technical expertise and a low understanding of AI.
Among the companies implementing AI, 62% cite efficiency and cost reduction as their main drivers, while 46% point to the increased value of existing services and products. Despite these motivations, DNV's survey reveals a concerning lack of technical knowledge among respondents. A staggering 44% indicate that insufficient technical expertise is hindering their AI implementation efforts. Only 6% of respondents consider themselves very knowledgeable about AI, while 25% rate themselves as moderately knowledgeable. In contrast, 53% describe their knowledge as somewhat adequate, and 16% admit to having no knowledge at all.
“Our report highlights a need for increased specialized AI competence to better understand, critically evaluate AI technologies, and to make informed decisions about their use,” said Barbara Frencia, CEO of Business Assurance at DNV. “Our survey clearly shows that many companies need a skills boost for their AI initiatives to take off. It's important to realize that the people working with AI in companies are not necessarily experts in the field, but employees who have been assigned new tasks. At the same time, the survey shows that the further along you are, the greater the benefits you see from artificial intelligence. But it is a matter of getting started with competence development.”
The report also emphasizes the necessity of a structured approach to AI implementation. Just over a third of the surveyed companies are considering adopting a management system to ensure the responsible implementation, use, and management of AI technologies. However, awareness of the international ISO/IEC 42001 standard, which serves as a management system for AI, remains low, with only 11% of respondents familiar with it.
"We think it's important to keep several things in mind at once when it comes to artificial intelligence,” Frencia added. “You need to increase knowledge and competence to achieve business benefits and structure your approach in the form of a management system that helps ensure that the AI solutions are safe, reliable, and ethical, and in accordance with applicable regulations.”
As companies navigate the complexities of AI adoption, the findings of DNV's report underscore the critical need for enhanced skills and structured management to unlock the full potential of artificial intelligence.
