REPORT | Arm AI Readiness Index | CHAPTER 1
The Global State of AI Readiness: A Data-Driven Analysis
Momentum, Without a Map
In boardrooms and strategy sessions across the globe, artificial intelligence has moved from a distant aspiration to an immediate priority. Our extensive survey of 655 business leaders from countries including the U.S., U.K., Germany, Taiwan and Japan, reveals a notable reality: AI adoption is accelerating rapidly, with 82% of global businesses already deploying AI applications in their day-to-day operations. This broad adoption of artificial intelligence spans industries and regions, demonstrating that AI is no longer the exclusive domain of tech giants but has become an essential technology for enterprises of all types.
Customer service stands at the forefront of this adoption wave, with 63% of organizations deploying AI to enhance customer interactions. Document processing (54%), IT operations (51%), and security applications (51%) follow closely behind, showing how AI has rapidly infiltrated core business functions. This isn't merely experimentation—it's transformation at scale.
The enthusiasm for AI runs deep within organizational hierarchies. An overwhelming 90% of leaders report their organizations are receptive to AI-driven changes, with 83% considering AI adoption "urgent."
Most tellingly, 82% of businesses have secured executive sponsorship at the highest levels, with CEOs and senior management personally championing AI initiatives. This top-down commitment signals that AI has transcended technical curiosity to become a strategic imperative.
Financial commitments reinforce this strategic shift. Eight in ten organizations have established dedicated AI budgets, with regional variations highlighting different approaches to investment. The Asia-Pacific region leads in budget allocation, with 86% of APAC businesses dedicating resources to AI initiatives, compared to 76% in Europe and 75% in the United States. However, American organizations are investing more
CHAPTER 1
The Global State of AI Readiness: A Data-Driven Analysis
Momentum, Without a MapIn boardrooms and strategy sessions across the globe, artificial intelligence has moved from a distant aspiration to an immediate priority. Our extensive survey of 655 business leaders from countries including the U.S., U ...
CHAPTER 2
The Technical Foundation: Technology Requirements for AI Success
2.1 Overview of AI Technology Requirements2.1.1 The Need for a Robust Technology InfrastructureArtificial Intelligence (AI) systems are advancing rapidly, becoming more flexible, scalable, and powerful. But to unlock their fu ...
CHAPTER 3
Policy and Governance: Shaping the AI Regulatory Landscape
The policy and governance landscape for artificial intelligence (AI) is multifaceted and complex due to several factors. First, a variety of actors at local, national, regional, and global levels contribute to the governance of AI. Second, the umbrella term “AI” ...
CHAPTER 4
AI Safety and Risk: Navigating the Path to Responsible Innovation
AI is evolving at a pace that promises unprecedented gains—improving healthcare diagnostics, streamlining logistics, and unlocking new avenues of creativity. Yet, this rapid growth raises questions about safety, reliability, and accountability. ...
CHAPTER 5
Trust and Security in the AI Era
5.1 Understanding AI’s Unique Security and Trust Challenges ...
CHAPTER 6
Sustainability as a Core Metric for AI Readiness
Dr Vanessa Just, Founder and CEO of juS.TECH GmbHDr Nicole Höher, Project Manager for Sustainability Digitalisation at juS.TECH GmbH ...
CHAPTER 7