Great skepticism

Domestic companies have little confidence in AI

22 percent of domestic companies have no confidence in AI.(Bild: top images - stock.adobe.com)

Austrian companies remain skeptical about the use of generative artificial intelligence. According to a Deloitte study, even two years after the introduction of ChatGPT and the like, almost half of companies are neither using such tools nor planning to do so in the near future.

The study, which surveyed 500 managers on their attitudes towards generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), also shows that 64% of companies are not using the technology at all. 44 percent also have no plans to implement GenAI in the near future.

"Considering that the topic gained momentum around two years ago, companies are still taking a very hesitant approach," says Evrim Bakir from Deloitte Austria. "That should change urgently." Without catching up, potential growth opportunities would be missed in the current economic downturn.

No trust in AI
In order for GenAI to develop its full potential, user trust is essential - but almost a quarter (22%) lack it. "Above all, unanswered questions regarding data protection and responsibility and liability in the event of incorrect AI decisions are a cause for concern," says Bakir. "The lack of transparency in AI decision-making processes and unknown social impacts are also not conducive to trust."

In order to remain internationally competitive in the future, this urgently needs to change. In addition to politicians, companies themselves are also called upon to promote trust in GenAI, according to Deloitte. For example, it would be appropriate to have an external expert assess the potential risks in order to rule them out when using AI.

Another almost quarter (23 percent) are currently testing the use of generative AI. Around 13 percent use it regularly.