- More US SMEs have dedicated AI teams than their UK counterparts
- Building AI skills is key to closing the current talent gap
- In-person interaction with customers is as vital as AI
New data from Amex Global Business Travel (GBT) has revealed an international divide in the adoption of AI tools among SMEs, putting US businesses ahead of their UK counterparts in the race to the top.
According to the data, 36% of US SMEs have designated AI teams, compared to just 25% of UK SMEs. US businesses (40%) are also more likely to want AI consulting to advance even further, with UK businesses (less than 30%) lagging behind.
However, both countries agree on one thing: the role of AI in business success, with 78% seeing it as crucial over the next 12 months.
American SMEs lead in the AI race
Although operational efficiency is a major focus for both countries, US businesses (93%) are slightly ahead of UK businesses (89%), which is also reflected in the fact that one in five UK SMEs (21%) are concerned that their competitors are innovating more quickly.
However, it is not surprising that the same obstacle is preventing both countries from progressing more quickly: one in four countries (26%) highlighted the need to strengthen AI skills to combat the talent shortage.
“The companies leading this change are those building and implementing AI operations to fill the talent gap, while doubling down on the impact on human connections and the relationships that drive new business,” wrote Becky Power, vice president of SMB client management.
And on a human level, Amex found that 83% of SMBs want to increase in-person interactions with customers this year, by traveling to conferences, trade shows and exhibitions.
Where does Amex GBT fit into all this? Just a third (35%) currently manage their travel through a centralized system, which is poor from a cost control, risk management and policy control perspective.
Looking ahead, despite the importance of AI, it is clear that digital transformation is not enough to ensure maximum competitiveness in today’s economy, with human connections being just as vital to allay fears that AI will be bad news for workers.
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