Barriers to propelling a new age of business transformation
include tension between IT and the C-suite and ethical
considerations around AI
BLUE
BELL, Pa., June 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Unisys
(NYSE: UIS) released a new report that profiles the role of IT,
cloud, and AI as business transformation continues to evolve.
Despite an economic downturn, the study found that companies are
determined to prioritize investments in digital capabilities to
drive growth and manage costs simultaneously. However, the tension
between IT and the C-suite — along with looming talent challenges
and ethical concerns related to AI — continues to limit companies
from unlocking their full potential in digital investments.
The research highlights critical insights, such as:
- 85% of enterprises invest in cloud technologies, but only 19%
have embraced and effectively use them to improve their
business.
- 15% are integrating AI into their business strategies, leaving
the remaining 85% ripe for disruption.
- More than 55% of companies acknowledge they don't fully
understand the ethical impact of AI.
- 58% take a proactive approach to security weaknesses and
threats; 42% are reactive.
"Embracing a cutting-edge, cloud-native, digital-first mindset
will enable organizations to be more agile and unlock growth.
Enterprises are facing pressures to maximize resources, and this
strategic shift will inspire innovation and drive impact," said
Manju Naglapur, senior vice
president of cloud, applications & infrastructure solutions at
Unisys.
Cloud Spending Largely Immune from Economic Woes
Cloud
is still a key driver for business growth, with 85% of companies
either increasing cloud spend or planning to over the next two
years. In fact, 36% are in the planning and initial adoption phase,
though only 19% have reached a sophisticated level of cloud
adoption. Organizations should focus on optimizing their existing
cloud infrastructure to achieve greater progress and realize the
value of their cloud investments.
Leaders Sound the Alarm on Talent Gaps
Despite
cloud technologies acting as a catalyst for business growth,
significant talent-related challenges must be addressed to manage
and maximize these technologies. More than forty percent (42%) of
IT leaders expressed concerns about keeping their staff up to date
on new skills and technologies for cloud adoption. To do that,
organizations plan to incorporate ongoing training into their
workflow to upskill and re-skill their workforce. On top of that,
companies are finding a gap in non-technical skills, such as
communication and personal skills (34%), as well as knowledge of
both technology and business strategy (32%). These needs become
increasingly important as organizations navigate through their
cloud adoption journey.
Businesses Look for Responsible AI Compass
To remain
competitive, organizations need to ramp up their AI initiatives.
Our study reveals only 15% have integrated AI into their business,
leaving a significant opportunity for disruption for the remaining
85%. Not surprisingly, more than half of all companies (55%)
recognize they have more to learn about the ethical implications of
AI. The primary approach for most respondents (43%) to address
ethical concerns is to have humans regularly review AI models and
results. This approach guarantees that humans actively participate
in the decision-making process, fostering a responsible and ethical
approach to AI adoption.
Navigating the Cyberstorm
Breaches are an inevitable
reality for every company, and 78% believe a breach will likely
occur. Yet only 58% take a proactive approach to security
weaknesses and threats while 42% take a reactive approach. The
report also highlights that only 43% have adopted a Zero Trust
security model, which is pivotal to building resilience.
"Strategically shifting to a cloud-native, digital-first mindset
includes aligning the C-Suite and IT on shared goals, aligning with
business outcomes, advancing cloud technology, navigating ethical
AI, and addressing skill concerns. While it may seem daunting,
recalibrating the organizations' approach will help companies
realize business value faster," concluded Naglapur.
The report, titled "From Barriers to Breakthroughs: Unlocking
Growth Opportunities with Cloud-Enabled Innovation," gathered
responses from 2,264 participants, including C-Suite, IT leaders,
and developers from global enterprises across five countries:
the United States, the U.K.,
Germany, Australia, and New
Zealand.
Click here to view the full findings of the report.
About Unisys
Unisys is a global technology solutions
company that powers breakthroughs for the world's leading
organizations. Our solutions – digital workplace; cloud,
applications & infrastructure; enterprise computing; and
business process – help our clients challenge the status quo and
create new possibilities. To learn how we deliver breakthroughs for
our clients, visit unisys.com.
Follow Unisys on LinkedIn.
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as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered
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SOURCE Unisys Corporation