Dell Technologies: Firms Expect AI to Transform Industries

The age of generative AI (Gen AI) is upon us, and its impact is already rippling through industries across the globe. According to a new study by Dell Technologies survey, a staggering 81% of global respondents believe that Gen AI and AI will significantly transform industries in the future, a figure which soars to 91% for organisations reporting high revenue growth in 2023 – underscoring the potential competitive advantage that early adopters may reap.

The Dell Technologies Innovation Catalyst Research report also highlights the rate of Gen AI adoption globally. Compared with other markets across the world, more organisations in the UK have commenced their Gen AI journey; 71% of UK respondents describe themselves as being in the 'early to mid-stages', in comparison with 58% globally.

As Steve Young, UK SVP and MD at Dell Technologies, comments: "The UK has a long history of leading innovation and is well-placed to conscientiously advance transformative technology. This exciting new wave of disruption and innovation presents massive opportunities for the boldest UK organisations – those with innovation in their DNA. By combining their people's ingenuity with the right technology and processes, these organisations can take smart risks, stay agile, and carve out competitive advantages."

However, he adds, this pace of change and frequency of disruptions won't slow down. “The research shows that, for some, the massive amounts of data generated every day combined with the pace at which AI is advancing feels overwhelming. Our message for those struggling with this is simple: innovation doesn't have to be intimidating. Any idea, big or small, can turn into innovation that fosters growth, improves efficiency, and drives productivity.”

Organisations struggle to keep pace with Gen AI advancements

Dell’s research also reveals a striking fact: while 82% of respondents claim to be well-positioned competitively and have a solid strategy, nearly half are uncertain about what their industry will look like in the next three to five years, and 57% report struggling to keep pace with the rapid changes.

As Gen AI transitions from ideation to implementation, organisations are grappling with practical considerations, such as understanding where risks reside and who is responsible for AI malfunctions or undesired behaviours. Seventy-seven percent (78% in the UK) agree that the organisation, rather than the machine, the user or the public, is responsible for any AI malfunction or undesired behaviour. 

While globally, respondents expect Gen AI to deliver the most value by improving IT security posture and productivity (52%), respondents also expressed awareness of the challenges to overcome. Globally, 68% fear Gen AI will introduce new security and privacy issues and 73% agreed that their data and IP is too valuable to be placed in a Gen AI tool where a third party may have access. As organisations increase adoption – with 58% of respondents describing themselves as being 'early to mid-stage' in their Gen AI journey – concern centres around understanding where risks reside and who is responsible for them. 77% agree that the organisation, rather than the machine, the user or the public, is responsible for any AI malfunction or undesired behaviour.

The survey also paints a concerning picture of the cybersecurity landscape, with 83% of respondents reporting a security attack in the past 12 months. While the majority (89%) are pursuing a Zero Trust deployment strategy, the UK lags at 69%. Employees’ role in the threat landscape also emerges as a critical issue, with 67% of respondents believing that some employees bypass IT security guidelines for the sake of efficiency and productivity.

Amidst these challenges, the research underscores the critical role of modern data infrastructure as Gen AI gathers pace and data volumes increase. 

To overcome these challenges, Steve emphasises the importance of collaborating with vendors who can empower power with technology.

“Business leaders are not alone on this journey; technology leaders stand ready to help overcome the barriers to innovation, uncover new possibilities and shrink time to value. By collaborating with vendors who can empower employees with technology and solve the most complex data challenges, UK organisations can turn ideas into innovation and innovation into outcomes. In this way, we can create a more sustainable, resilient, productive, and innovation-led UK economy."

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