UK could face AI skills gap, finds Microsoft report

UK could face AI skills gap, finds Microsoft report
Study shows that British businesses use less – and less advanced – AI than in other countries

Elly Yates-Roberts |


The UK could face an artificial intelligence (AI) skills gap in the coming years, according to research by Microsoft. The new AI Skills in the UK report found that British businesses use less – and less advanced – AI than in other countries and this could affect how organisations recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The study indicates that 52 per cent of UK employees are using AI to work faster and smarter, compared to 69 per cent of employees globally. Microsoft says that the study “focused on AI capabilities and adoption levels around the world to understand the progress organisations are making, and the challenges they are facing in preparing their workforce for an AI-driven world”.

“The most successful organisations will be the ones that transform both technically and culturally, equipping their people with the skills and knowledge to become the best competitive asset they have,” said Simon Lambert, chief learning officer for Microsoft UK. “Human ingenuity is what will make the difference – AI technology alone will not be enough. At Microsoft, we’re on this journey just like everyone else, not least because the best learners make the best teachers. The larger point though, is not to be intimidated by the technology. Instead, get excited, develop your curiosity and let’s keep learning from one another.”

Read a Microsoft article about the AI Skills in the UK report and download the full report

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