A recent IBM study has found that 66% of UK enterprises are seeing notable improvements in productivity due to artificial intelligence (AI), with 63% of senior leaders reporting increased operational efficiency. Despite these gains, the report shows that nearly two-thirds of organisations have not yet realised AI’s full potential, pointing to a need for more workforce transformation and skills training.
The “Race for ROI” study surveyed 3,500 business leaders across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), including 500 from the UK. Respondents came from sectors such as banking, public sector, retail, telecommunications, and energy. The findings indicate that AI and automation are enabling employees to focus on tasks like innovation (41%), creative work (41%), strategic planning (39%), building client relationships (35%), and advancing sustainability efforts (35%).
However, internal resistance and cultural barriers remain significant obstacles. According to the study, 67% of UK business leaders say these issues are slowing down pilot AI projects. Only 45% of enterprises currently offer company-wide or role-specific AI training, and just 38% prioritise inclusive upskilling opportunities for all employees.
Initiatives like the UK government’s plan to provide AI skills training to 7.5 million workers aim to address this gap and help maintain the country’s leadership in technology.
There is evidence of ongoing progress: over a quarter of UK senior leaders report financial or cost-saving benefits from AI-driven productivity initiatives already, while another third expect similar results within a year.
Consumer expectations are also influencing business investment in AI. An IBM survey of over 2,000 UK consumers found that 74% are comfortable with AI-powered assistants helping them make decisions—including personal recommendations and household financial choices. Most respondents trust interactive experiences like chatbots; convenience, speed, security, privacy, and round-the-clock support were identified as key factors driving adoption.
Business leaders still face challenges when measuring returns on their AI investments. High upfront costs affecting short-term ROI (37%), difficulties attributing outcomes solely to AI efforts (35%), and lack of expertise (31%) were cited as major concerns by those surveyed.
Leon Butler, Chief Executive at IBM UK and Ireland said: “UK businesses are clearly seeing the productivity benefits of AI, with two-thirds already reporting significant gains. But the real opportunity lies ahead—unlocking even greater value through workforce transformation and upskilling. By investing in AI skills training across all levels, organisations can not only outperform their peers but build a future-ready workforce that drives innovation and resilience.”
Sue Daley OBE, Director of Tech and Innovation at techUK added: “Adoption and use of AI within organisations of all size and sector presents both opportunities and challenge. While AI offers immense benefits, businesses can only realise its full potential when their workforce is equipped with the right knowledge.”
“IBM’s Race for ROI study highlights the importance of skills in the face of this issue. To succeed in the long-term, businesses must make AI reskilling a key part of their employee development strategy. This will empower employees to embrace and leverage AI’s potential, unlocking its full value across the whole business.”
The report recommends several priorities for enterprise leaders looking to accelerate returns from their investments in artificial intelligence:
– Establish an effective operating model for implementing AI.
– Foster widespread understanding about how to use new tools throughout an organisation.
– Encourage adaptability amid rapid technological change.
– Manage risks associated with deploying new technologies.
– Create cross-company boards focused on ethical oversight for high-risk applications.
The study was conducted by Censuswide between September 8–12, 2025 among business leaders aged 25 or older who work at organisations using artificial intelligence tools.
For further details or access to the full report visit The Race for ROI: How AI is transforming enterprise productivity in EMEA.
