London, United Kingdom, December 4th, 2024 – UK and European enterprises are rapidly deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies, with 92% of organisations implementing these solutions over the last two years, according to research from Digitate, a leading provider of AI-powered software for IT and business operations. The report, titled 'The race to outpace: How AI and automation are driving European enterprises across the finish line', examines the state of AI and automation adoption, alongside challenges and risks faced by enterprises, and future technology implementation plans.

The study, based on a survey of 900 IT decision-makers in enterprises across Europe (Benelux, Finland, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK), found that organisations have invested on average, £85.9M (€103.4M) in AI and automation over the last two years, with over half (59%) spending up to £245M (€295M). These investments have yielded significant returns, with 86% of organisations reporting a ROI averaging £128M (€154.7M).

UK enterprises lag behind European counterparts, on AI and automation investment (£48.3M/€58.18M) and cloud adoption, as 34% of respondents only plan to migrate to the cloud for the first time over the next two years. Despite this, the UK has seen a much more substantial ROI of 50% compared to Finland - where enterprises have invested the most (£526M/€633M) and only delivered 10% ROI.

"European enterprises recognise the transformative potential of AI and automation, particularly in addressing their most pressing operational challenges," said Debasish Pattnaik, General Manager, UK. "However, the research indicates that many organisations are implementing these technologies on a departmental basis rather than as part of an integrated vision. Enterprises need to develop more comprehensive strategies to maximise the value of these substantial investments."

Key findings from the research include:

• AI adoption is vast: Alongside widespread implementation of AI and automation, 86% of organisations have also implemented generative AI
• AI for IT is rife: Almost nine out of ten (87%) UK organisations focus their automation efforts on IT, with 83% using AI to enhance IT operations.
• AI is not plain sailing, some efforts are not strategic: 94% of businesses have experienced drawbacks from AI or automation initiatives. There is disharmony between priority use cases and the benefits felt so far. For example, 40% of businesses have deployed AI for customer support, yet a superior customer experience is not cited as a top advantage of AI deployment.
• The budget to implement automation and lack of technical skills (both 29%) are the greatest obstacles to AI implementation. Notably, over a third (34%) of UK organisations report a lack of technical skills as the primary obstacle to AI and automation adoption, contrasting with the rest of Europe, who cite budget constraints as the main obstacle.
• Impending cybersecurity threats remain a business worry: The UK ranked second (tied with Sweden) in cybersecurity concerns, with 61% citing it as the biggest external risk or anticipated challenge for their organisation over the next 12 months. However, IT leaders (49%) have identified AI as a potential remedy to address this.
• Human intervention accompanied by technology: Businesses expect a dramatic shift toward the autonomous enterprise over the next five years. They predict that companies currently fully or heavily reliant on humans will reduce by half.

Looking ahead, 78% of respondents plan to implement additional AI or automation within the next two years, with 40% aiming to have new tools in place by the end of 2024.

To learn more about the research findings and insights, download the full report here: https://digitate.com/the-race-to-outpace-how-ai-and-automation-are-driving-european-enterprises-across-the-finish-line-ungated/

About Digitate

Digitate is a leading software provider bringing agility, assurance, and resiliency to IT and business operations. Digitate's flagship product, ignio™, is an award-winning AIOps solution that reimagines the enterprise business landscape with its distinctive closed-loop approach. It combines context, insights, and intelligent automation to resolve and prevent issues autonomously. Our customers span multiple industries and include global enterprises that are leaders and innovators. To stay up to date on ignio™ news and learn how our clients across the globe have benefited from our innovative solutions, visit us at www.digitate.com and follow Digitate on X and LinkedIn.

Contact

Holly Ingram
CCGroup for Digitate
digitate@ccgrouppr.com