The AI implementation challenge: Are businesses ready?

AI will transform industries more than the internet and the cloud. However, the potential for such a dramatic shift in innovation and productivity raises a critical question: are businesses ready to manage the technological changes and organizational complexities that AI has the potential to introduce? The Cisco AI Readiness Index measures how prepared global companies are to deploy AI solutions. Cisco surveyed more than 8,000 business and IT leaders across 30 countries to evaluate their readiness to integrate AI into their businesses. The assessment focused on six key pillars: Strategy, Infrastructure, Data, Governance, Talent, and Culture.  

Insights from the Cisco AI Readiness Index 

Low preparedness, high interest in AI 

Only 13% of organizations worldwide are fully prepared to deploy and integrate AI applications into their businesses. Yet, 98% of companies surveyed reported an increased urgency to deploy AI technologies within the next six months.   

Strategies must support business goals 

Most organizations (61%) reported having an AI strategy in place or under development to support their business goals. However, only 21% possess the necessary graphical processing units (GPUs) and IT infrastructure to power AI applications. As a result, organizations are investing in AI infrastructure, including accelerated compute, reliable networking, and sufficient storage, to support their initiatives. With an ever-expanding attack surface and growing reliance on AI systems and data, companies are also heavily investing in cybersecurity to reduce risks, increase visibility, and protect sensitive information. 

Powerful, scalable infrastructure is essential 

More than three quarters (79%) of organizations anticipate needing more GPU resources to support growing AI workloads. Nearly all IT leaders surveyed agreed that AI will increase workload size and volumes, but only 10% believe their existing networks can scale to meet these demands. 

AI depends on high-quality data 

Organizations adopting AI must take a strategic and secure approach to data management to ensure it is organized, traceable, and high quality. Data remains siloed in 82% of surveyed organizations, and only 25% reported that their data is fully integrated with analytics tools. 

Establish a clear AI governance plan 

Organizations must develop clear governance plans to manage the development, deployment, and usage of AI solutions while ensuring fairness and preventing bias. Despite this need, 76% of respondents admitted their organizations lack comprehensive AI policies. Additionally, only 35% reported a detailed understanding of global data privacy standards. 

Help employees build their skillsets 

Only 19% of respondents believe their employees possess sufficient skills to maximize AI tools. Organizations must focus on training and upskilling employees while addressing concerns that AI may replace jobs. 

Help employees embrace the possibilities of AI 

Pressure to adopt AI affects 85% of surveyed organizations. Respondents indicated that organizations have about 18 months to implement AI strategies before facing significant business challenges. Leaders can foster a culture that embraces AI innovation by helping employees understand its implications and potential for accelerating growth across various functions.    

AI-ready or not?  

Is your business ready to leverage AI? Take Cisco’s AI Readiness Assessment and compare your readiness to other organizations in the survey.