Insufficient Investment in Emerging Technologies Puts UK IT Decision-Makers at a Competitive Disadvantage, Finds Microsoft Study

Emerging technologies and digital skills are crucial for UK IT decision-makers to remain competitive, according to a new study commissioned by Microsoft. The research revealed that two in five IT decision-makers (ITDMs) believe their organization is falling behind due to insufficient investment in new technologies like artificial intelligence. This lack of investment is affecting workers the most.

The study, which included responses from over 600 ITDMs and 1,000 employees, also found that 89% of ITDMs believe they would be able to use AI more if they had access to the right supportive tools. Workers expressed widespread dissatisfaction with their companies’ stance on artificial intelligence, with a quarter stating that their PCs are not powerful enough to run AI effectively, limiting their benefits from the tech. This percentage increases to 35% among Gen Z employees.

Additionally, 29% of employees believe that their computers are slowing down their work, with 26% reporting that their systems regularly crash or freeze. While PC shipments initially suffered following the pandemic, the market has shown signs of resurgence, especially with the emergence of AI-capable devices like Copilot+ PCs.

According to the study, only one in three workers feel they have the right skills to effectively use AI, with older workers feeling less confident in their abilities. As a result, 19% of workers are now considering changing jobs. However, three in five of those looking to change jobs say they would stay longer if their current employer helped them develop more digital skills.

Microsoft UK Head of Surface Commercial, Alan Slothower emphasized the importance of prioritizing AI-ready PCs and effective training for IT decision-makers. He stated that the rapid adoption of AI in the workplace necessitates higher specification technology and digital upskilling to ensure competitiveness.

The study highlights the need for UK IT decision-makers to invest in emerging technologies and digital skills if they want to remain competitive in today’s fast-changing business landscape.

In conclusion, Microsoft’s new research shows that UK IT decision-makers must prioritize emerging technologies and digital skills if they want to remain competitive in today’s fast-changing business landscape. The study revealed that two in five ITDMs believe their organization is falling behind due to insufficient investment in new technologies like artificial intelligence.

Workers are feeling the effects of this lack of investment more than anyone else. The study found that only one in three workers feel they have the right skills to effectively use AI, with older workers feeling less confident in their abilities.

To address these challenges, Microsoft UK Head of Surface Commercial Alan Slothower emphasized the importance of prioritizing AI-ready PCs and effective training for IT decision-makers.

Overall