In 79% of German companies, there is a lack of skills in handling artificial intelligence (AI). Currently, 86% of businesses do not fully or only minimally utilize AI. This is shown by a study conducted by the Stifterverband for German Science and the consulting firm McKinsey. At the same time, companies lack strategies for further training in handling AI.
More than one-third of the executives surveyed state that AI capabilities are not yet being used in their companies. Another third use AI functions only up to 10%. About one in twenty companies utilizes AI potential by more than 50%. Although only 21% of decision-makers believe their employees have sufficient AI competence, nearly a third say there is no lack of practical AI application skills among the workforce.
40% of employees in German companies lack practical skills in automating work processes. Nearly a third of respondents criticize the selection of AI models and applications by employees. About 29% complain about the lack of knowledge in developing AI models, and a quarter each in data-driven decision-making and actions. Only 21% of respondents see issues with prompting and content creation among the workforce.
The majority of German companies do not yet have a strategy to build skills in handling artificial intelligence. Only a quarter of those surveyed have defined a clear approach. 54% of executives note that too little is invested in AI training in their companies. They attribute this to the low use of AI, budget constraints, and uncertainties regarding the necessary qualifications. Additionally, more than half of the companies do not provide their employees with learning opportunities for AI.
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Two-thirds of respondents say employees have no interest in acquiring AI skills. Some perceive AI as additional work and a stress factor. The study authors recommend that leaders act as role models and promote a learning culture. Besides learning platforms and AI playgrounds for experimentation, informal knowledge exchange in companies is also helpful. The researchers further advocate for cooperation between companies and universities. However, 82% of respondents criticize that universities poorly prepare students for an AI-driven work environment.
For the study, the authors surveyed more than 1000 executives from German companies of various sizes. They also conducted interviews with 16 decision-makers in companies and eight HR managers from German universities. Strategies for introducing AI in companies are also explained by Sofiane Fessi in an interview.