Awareness of AI technologies high, but challenges persist in adoption

A new report from Tietoevry Create Norway, titled Ready for AI, shows high awareness and optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, among IT professionals in Norway across industries.

The survey reveals that nearly all respondents are familiar with these technologies, reflecting a strong desire to integrate AI solutions into their organizations. Awareness is over 40% for all AI tools surveyed, with ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot being the most recognized.

However, despite this enthusiasm, the report highlights significant challenges in the implementation of AI tools.

Gap in internal expertise

The study identifies a key barrier to AI adoption: a noticeable gap in internal expertise. While many organizations express interest in AI, they struggle to bridge the skills shortage necessary for effective deployment and management of AI technologies.

More than half of the respondents believe that internal competency and GDPR/privacy concerns are the biggest barriers to AI adoption.

This lack of expertise, coupled with concerns over data governance and compliance with regulations such as GDPR, are critical obstacles for businesses aiming to harness the power of AI.
A robust data strategy is needed

The report shows that organizations are finding it difficult to balance the use of internal and external data sources for AI training, underscoring the need for a robust data strategy.

6 out of 10 respondents say that the company they work for currently uses its own or external data sources for AI training. Of those who do not, 6 out of 10 states that they plan to do so in the future. Altogether, 8 out of 10 respondents either use or plan to use their own or external data sources for AI training, with a greater focus on their own data sources than external ones.
An effective strategy for data management is essential for ensuring successful AI implementation.

Holistic view necessary to fully realize value potential

Despite these challenges, the report underscores a strong belief in the transformative potential of AI for value creation. IT departments focused on operations and internal processes, are particularly optimistic about the opportunities AI presents for enhancing efficiency and automating routine tasks, for example in case management. Other business areas, especially those focused on customer value, see AI as a catalyst for changing business models and improving customer experiences.

The study also points to a lack of alignment across departments on the benefits of AI, stressing the importance of collaboration to fully realize the potential of AI applications within organizations. To utilize the full spectrum of AI’s benefits, businesses must ensure cross-departmental cooperation and build a shared vision for its integration.

Key Findings from the Report:

• High Awareness and Interest in AI: Nearly all IT professionals surveyed are familiar with AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. Awareness is over 40% for all tools surveyed, with private sector employees generally having slightly higher awareness.
• Internal Skills Gap: The lack of necessary AI skills within organizations is a major barrier to successful adoption.
• Data Governance Concerns: Compliance with regulations like GDPR remains a significant challenge for AI implementation.
• The Need for a Robust Data Strategy: Organizations struggle to balance internal and external data sources for AI training. 8 out of 10 use or plan to use data for AI training, with a preference for internal data.
• Optimism About AI’s Potential: Despite challenges, there is strong belief in AI’s ability to drive operational efficiency and transform business models.
• Barriers to AI Adoption: More than half of respondents cite internal competency and GDPR/privacy concerns as the biggest obstacles to AI adoption.

The report calls for organizations to invest in training and upskilling, develop clear data governance strategies, and foster collaboration across departments to overcome these challenges and fully leverage the potential of AI.

Download the Ready for AI report (in Norwegian)