It could be the iPhone moment for AI: ChatGPT developer OpenAI has opened a new store where users can share and sell apps they have created themselves. These so-called GPTs, based on OpenAI technology, cover a wide variety of areas, ranging from AI-based mini-programs such as language learning apps and travel planners to applications for business customers. The fact is that despite problems with questionable content, fake news, and violations of the GDPR, an increasing number of companies are experimenting with the possibilities of artificial intelligence and are even willing to disclose trade secrets.
adesso wanted to find out how Generative AI (GenAI) is being received in companies, what role tools such as ChatGPT play in everyday working life and where stumbling blocks lurk. A snapshot of the mood in the Swiss economy can be drawn from the answers in the study.
The most important results at a glance:
- Enthusiasm for GenAI is unbroken. The majority of managers are convinced that the positive aspects of AI outweigh the negative ones - whether in terms of increasing their own added value or overcoming the shortage of skilled workers. For instance, 67% see GenAI applications as a great opportunity for their business model. 60 percent hope that artificial intelligence will provide a solution to the lack of human resources.
- Top management is making GenAI a top priority. And they have every reason to do so: Already today, 75 percent of survey participants estimate that they save at least one hour a week by using GenAI. As such, the new technology is already delivering on its promise of increased efficiency in the early stages of roll-out. It is therefore no wonder that 50 percent of respondents confirm that their company's top management is increasingly pushing ahead with the implementation of corresponding solutions.
- GenAI is emerging from the experimental phase. The study also shows that companies are now gradually getting started with GenAI applications. A clear majority of 71% want to implement corresponding solutions this year.
- Stumbling blocks sometimes slow things down. Despite all the euphoria surrounding GenAI, companies are also aware of the challenges that AI brings. GenAI solutions can only play to their strengths if they are integrated seamlessly into the existing IT infrastructure and company processes. For 19 percent of managers, the lack of integration is the reason they do not yet use applications such as ChatGPT. 38 percent generally do not see any potential applications for GenAI in their area and 33 percent state that they are not familiar enough with the technology.
- Location issue divides. Opinions differ on what role the regulation of AI will play. For example, 41% believe that the EU AI Act will strengthen the European economy in the field of AI. 34 percent say it will neither strengthen nor weaken it. On the other hand, 25 percent believe that overly strict regulations could weaken Europe as a business location. Regardless of this, 64% of managers would like to see GenAI applications from European providers.
"In our discussions with companies, we are sensing a great deal of interest and optimism. But it is not only the enthusiasm for the possibilities of GenAI that is enormous - the strategic approach is now also at the top of managers' agendas," confirms Hansjörg Süess, CEO of adesso Schweiz. "Only if GenAI-based applications are integrated into IT processes can companies benefit from the advantages in the long term and fully exploit their potential. They will lay the foundations for this in 2024."
