UK tech sector optimistic on AI but calls for stronger support

A new survey indicates that 88% of technology companies in the United Kingdom are already using artificial intelligence, with nearly all respondents expressing optimism about its impact over the next year.

The survey, conducted among 200 senior technology decision-makers and commissioned by CommsCo PR, depicts a sector prepared to navigate global uncertainty but concerned over talent gaps and the perceived need for stronger government support.

Resilience Noted

A significant majority, 94% of those surveyed, believe that the UK's technology sector remains resilient despite ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges. Respondents cite rising prices (71%), a lack of government leadership (51%), and limited funding (45%) as the main pressures facing their businesses today.

The study shines a light on the industry's sustained optimism regarding artificial intelligence. Over half of respondents anticipate a 'very positive' impact of AI on their organisations throughout the next 12 months, while an additional 44% are 'somewhat positive' about the technology's potential across their operations during the same period.

Nevertheless, despite these high levels of optimism, apprehensions around the talent pool persist. Seventy-three percent of respondents report an 'AI talent gap', and 14% describe the shortage as a 'major challenge' within their firms. This view is echoed by 74% of respondents, who listed talent shortages as a barrier to AI progress, slightly trailing government support (78%) and funding constraints (73%).

Government Support Concerns

A majority of respondents feel government action is insufficient to support advances in AI. Seventy-eight percent cited a lack of government backing as the leading challenge for ongoing development, indicating that public sector involvement is viewed as a key component to successful AI adoption and competition on a global scale.

When asked about the UK's standing in the worldwide race for AI leadership, only 12% consider the country a leader, while 56% believe the nation is keeping pace with global competitors. Around 32% view the UK as lagging major technology hubs such as the United States and China.

Regarding regulation, 59% of those surveyed trust the government's ability to appropriately oversee AI innovation, but 42% either lack confidence or remain uncertain. Views on public education and national awareness around AI's risks and benefits are divided, with just over half (51%) believing that current knowledge is adequate.

Simon Baxter, Research Director at TechMarketView, said: "Despite an uncertain and inflationary market environment, many organisations have embraced AI, viewing it as crucial to the success of their business. Any still on the fence about its value will soon have to cast away preconceived notions as they scramble to catch up with their peers.

Simon Baxter continued: "The perception of the AI efforts from the UK government, however, remains mixed, and rightly so. There's no doubt the UK has the talent and tech foundations to capitalise on the benefits AI can bring, but the government must move faster and with sufficient funding if we don't want the UK to stagnate or fall behind other global economies."

According to the survey, 91% of respondents said they feel confident in positioning themselves and their organisations as AI thought leaders, signifying both eagerness and readiness to engage in ongoing public and professional discourse about artificial intelligence in the UK.

Sector Ambitions

Leah Jones, Deputy Managing Director at CommsCo, commented: "There's a clear desire across the UK tech sector to lead with AI, and positive signs that businesses are optimistic about the results of implementing this technology. We are excited to see what the next year ahead delivers."

The research was conducted as part of CommsCo's ongoing commitment to supporting growth-focused technology companies in navigating fast-changing and highly competitive markets through increased awareness and thought leadership initiatives.