Call for business to bridge the growing AI divide
Australian businesses of all sizes are experiencing difficulty in integrating generative AI into legacy systems, with 88% of respondents of Governance Institute’s 2025 AI Deployment and Governance Survey Report indicating unsuccessful attempts. This challenge is compounded by a lack of training, which hinders the effective deployment of AI technologies. The survey found that only 10% of respondents have advanced or formal qualifications in AI, while a staggering 46% have not undertaken any training at all.
The 2025 AI Deployment and Governance Survey Report, conducted by Governance Institute of Australia, sheds light on the current state of AI adoption, governance, and training across various sectors. The report was sponsored by the National AI Centre, Diligent and PKF.
The survey of 344 professionals across various industries found that nearly 90% of respondents report some level of AI use within their organisations. Despite this widespread adoption, significant disparities exist between large corporations and smaller entities. Large organisations, particularly those listed on the ASX, are leading the way in AI integration, while smaller businesses and not-for-profits lag. The divide poses a risk to the overall competitiveness and productivity of the Australian economy, as small enterprises, which make up 98% of the business community.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of Australian businesses, offering significant opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and growth. The journey to harnessing AI’s full potential is hampered by challenges however, particularly for small and not-for-profit organisations.
When asked about plans for future training in their organisation, only 3% of respondents said their organisations plan to offer formal, accredited training programs in the next 12 months. Instead, 50% plan to offer informal, unaccredited training, and 45% have no plans for training. This lack of structured training programs highlights the need for a more robust approach to AI education and skill development.
The primary barriers to managing staff adoption of AI are a lack of knowledge and understanding, as well as resource constraints. Financial limitations and poor digital literacy are significant impediments, with 55% of respondents citing staff training and digital literacy as major challenges. Additionally, 72% of respondents mentioned data privacy as a regulatory impediment, highlighting the complex landscape of AI governance.
Effective governance frameworks are crucial for the responsible deployment of AI. The report indicates that various governance measures are in place, including transparency, accountability, fairness, and risk management processes. However, gaps remain, particularly in smaller organisations that may lack the resources to implement comprehensive governance structures.
Ethical considerations and data privacy are also paramount. Organisations are employing a range of measures to ensure compliance with regulations and ethical standards, including policies, training, and adherence to the Voluntary AI Safety Standard. Despite these efforts, the report underscores the need for continuous improvement and vigilance in AI governance.
While some organisations have observed productivity uplifts, improved quality control, and enhanced creativity from AI implementation, others have yet to see significant benefits. Measuring the return on investment (ROI) for AI initiatives remains a challenge, with 93% of respondents unable to effectively measure ROI.
Another area focused on in the survey was the impact of Generative AI and its potential to revolutionise various aspects of business operations, from content creation to coding efficiency and data analysis. However, its full impact is still being assessed, and organisations must navigate the complexities of integrating this technology into their existing workflows.
The report provides valuable insights into the current state of AI adoption in Australia. While large organisations are making significant strides, smaller businesses and not-for-profits face considerable challenges. Addressing these barriers requires a concerted effort to improve AI literacy, invest in training, and develop robust governance frameworks. In doing so, Australian businesses can harness the transformative power of AI in an ethical and responsible manner, ensuring long-term competitiveness and growth.
As Pauline Vamos, Chair of the Governance Institute of Australia, stated, “Organisations of all sizes need to prioritise AI literacy, invest in training, and develop robust governance frameworks to harness AI’s potential safely and effectively.” The findings of this report serve as a call to action for all stakeholders to work together in building a future where AI benefits everyone.
You can read the 2025 AI Deployment and Governance Survey Report on our website.