New data has emerged exposing major regional disparities in AI adoption between London and Northern-based businesses.
With AI revolutionising industries, and as the UK strives to become a global AI leader, Northern businesses risk falling behind unless action is taken.
The results come from a survey of 1,000 IT decision-makers conducted by ANS in collaboration with YouGov.
Whilst 82 per cent of London businesses believe AI is important to long-term strategic goals, just 44 per cent of businesses in the North share this perspective.
Businesses in London also understand the long-term impact on AI-related roles and responsibilities, with 76 per cent expecting an increase in these roles in the next year, in comparison to the North where this figure halves (37 per cent).
Due to this stronger strategic understanding, 37 per cent of businesses in London are already incorporating AI into some of their business practices. In comparison, only 18 per cent of businesses in the North are incorporating the technology.
The North West stands out as the most AI-aware region in the North, with 27 per cent of businesses considering AI as very important to their long-term strategic goals, significantly more than in the North East (4 per cent) and Yorkshire and the Humber (6 per cent).
Manchester’s position as the largest tech hub outside of London highlights the region’s potential to become a centre of innovation.
With increasing focus from the Government on levelling up the North, the North West has a unique opportunity to catch up to London in embracing AI and developing the next generation of AI talent.
“The significant differences in sentiment towards AI and adoption of it across the UK are shocking,” said Richard Thompson, CEO at ANS.
“This is a technology with transformative potential, for businesses of all sizes, entire industries and society as a whole.
“While the government has an increased focus on AI investment in the North, Northern businesses in particular should be looking inward to assess how they harness the power of AI within their business before they get left behind.
Kyle Hill, CTO at ANS, added: “Becoming AI-ready is critical for all businesses if they want to stay ahead. Our data shows that Northern businesses are at risk of levelling down if they don’t adapt and embrace this emerging technology quickly.
“But, equally, they should take the time to understand which systems would be most beneficial for them and invest in creating robust foundations first.
“Having the right infrastructure and processes in place is key, from the right cloud technologies to the structure of your data and comprehensive staff training.
“All businesses, no matter their size or location, deserve to take advantage of AI and reap the long-term benefits. If they dream big but start small, it will make the AI adoption journey much smoother.”