Confidence in AI Grows, but Quantum Tech Remains a Puzzle
The rapid advancements in AI and quantum computing have captured the public's imagination, with both technologies poised to transform various industries, from transportation to healthcare.
However, a new global survey by the BSI, the UK's national standards body, across 10,000 people globally, sheds light on the nuanced public perceptions of these cutting-edge fields.
As the world convenes in Edinburgh, UK, for the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) General Assembly, a gathering of around 1,200 technology experts from academia, industry and government have discovered findings that offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities ahead for the technology sector.
The study reveals a significant increase in public trust in AI capabilities, while concerns linger around emerging technologies like quantum computing.
This means that as the world moves towards a more connected and sustainable future, the need for clear communication and robust governance frameworks to build confidence in innovation has also been highlighted.
- 51% believe AI could handle parts of their job
- 53% feel that AI could do the menial parts of their job
- 62% globally think there should be a standardised system for flagging issues or inaccuracies with AI tools
- 57% have privacy concerns when interacting with AI-driven technologies
- 38% believe AI’s benefits outweigh its potential risks
Growing confidence in AI but concerns remain
The survey reveals a noticeable increase in the public's confidence in AI capabilities.
Scott Steedman, Director-General of Standards at BSI, explained that over half (51%) of respondents said AI could perform some aspects of their job, up from 38% in 2023.
This rising optimism is also reflected in the fact that nearly half of workers (49%) expect to be collaborating with AI "colleagues" by 2050, with the highest enthusiasm in India (62%) and the lowest in the UK (34%).
However, the survey also highlighted ongoing concerns about the deployment of AI.
Scott noted that: "more than three in five (62%) globally think there should be a standardised system for flagging issues or inaccuracies with AI tools, and 57% have privacy concerns when interacting with AI-driven technologies."
Quantum computing: a harder sell
Yet while the public appears to be growing more comfortable with AI, the same cannot be said for quantum computing.
Mark Thirlwell, Global Digital Director at BSI, explained that the survey found global consumers were less familiar with this advanced technology: "Only 40% said they felt that governments and experts in the field are proactively communicating enough about the opportunities and risks of supercomputing, falling to a fifth in the UK (21%)," he said.
Moreover, only 38% of respondents said the opportunities of supercomputers and quantum outweigh the risks – a figure that drops to 24% in the UK and 30% in Germany.
The survey also emphasises concerns that wider adoption of supercomputing could increase dependence on computing technologies and dramatically increase global carbon emissions.
Building trust in emerging technologies
As the world moves towards an all-electric and connected future, Thirlwell emphasises the importance of building trust in emerging technologies: "We have the opportunity to adapt and build an ecosystem that can ensure that these new technologies are appropriately governed, so that trust can be established, and innovation can flourish," he said.
"This all begins with clear communication and education."
Philippe Metzger, IEC Secretary-General, echoed this sentiment, stating: "The benefits of AI and other emerging technologies such as quantum are only just beginning to be explored. From autonomous vehicles to supercomputing for financial hubs, these technologies have the potential to transform our lives.”
It seems as AI and quantum computing reshape industries, businesses must prioritise clear communication and robust governance.
Balancing innovation with public trust will be crucial for successful adoption and integration of these transformative technologies in the global marketplace.
“That's why having frameworks in place that people can trust is crucial. If the public are to trust these emerging technologies, they need to understand them," Thirlwell concludes.
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