keystone
Swiss companies have been using artificial intelligence for a long time, according to a UBS study. However, it is mainly used selectively for data analysis and automation.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is already widespread among Swiss companies. However, this technology is mostly used selectively and not systematically. This was the conclusion reached by major bank UBS after conducting a survey of approximately 2,500 Swiss companies.
The overall picture points to practical use, the authors of the study published Tuesday wrote. According to the study, around 60% of Swiss companies are already using AI, although there are clear differences depending on company size and sector.
It is especially widely used in large enterprises and digitized knowledge industries such as information and communication technology (ICT), financial service providers, and the pharmaceutical industry. In contrast, traditional industries such as construction, transportation, health care, trade, timber, paper, and textiles are far behind.
AI primarily assists in data analysis
According to this study, AI is primarily used in practice for relatively low-barrier applications. About half of companies use it for data analysis, decision support, or to improve existing products and services.
Business process automation plays an especially important role in large enterprises. About a quarter of companies also use AI for innovation and product development. Only a few companies have already put AI at the core of their business models, and the ICT sector is an exception.
UBS highlights that a key finding is that the use of AI is highly dependent on the degree of digitization. Companies with well-developed IT infrastructure and structured data (usually large enterprises) may be able to better leverage AI and reap more benefits. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), on the other hand, often do not have these prerequisites and therefore use AI less frequently and to a lesser extent.
AI is primarily seen as an opportunity
According to the study, the evaluations also revealed a clear pattern. Highly digitalized sectors such as ICT and finance primarily see AI as an opportunity, especially due to increased productivity, better decision-making, and improved quality. Sectors with lower levels of digitalization, such as education, culture, and parts of industry, are more likely to view AI as a risk. But overall, there is a clear preponderance of thinking that sees AI as an opportunity, especially because of its potential for automation.
Companies do not expect any sudden upheaval in the coming years, but rather a gradual expansion of the use of AI. Many people plan to enhance it, but only a few want to do without it completely. At the same time, companies are anticipating a modest impact on employment, with some reductions expected but no large-scale layoffs. AI is primarily seen as a relief to employees, not a complete replacement.
AI will most likely change the requirements for employees. In particular, demand for IT and digital skills, analytical and creative abilities is increasing, while simple communication tasks are becoming less important. At the same time, the survey found that the lack of skilled labor remains a major hurdle for many businesses.
Overall, this study shows a dichotomy. While large enterprises that are well-positioned for digitalization are actively pursuing AI and benefiting more from it, many small and medium-sized enterprises remain in a wait-and-see attitude, believing that their access to AI is hindered by a lack of digitalization, limited resources, and uncertainty about tangible benefits.
Database as a braking factor
A second investigation by credit reporting firm Dun & Bradstreet came to similar conclusions. It found that 97% of organizations surveyed in Switzerland are continuing their AI efforts. However, many people feel held back when taking the next step. Only 5% said their databases are already well prepared for the use of AI.
The survey, also released on Tuesday, said 60% of companies plan to increase their investment further in the next 12 months. At the same time, 69% have already reported their first measurable benefit from AI.
The quarterly global D&B AI Momentum study is based on interviews with 10,000 companies in 32 countries.
