New research from IDC, commissioned by managed Network-as-a-Service provider Expereo, highlights a concerning trend among UK businesses. While AI investments are growing, these companies lack the necessary network infrastructure to support their AI endeavors effectively.
The IDC InfoBrief reports a significant gap between AI expectations and outcomes. A mere 15 percent of UK organizations feel their AI projects exceed expectations. Furthermore, only 3 percent believe they have substantially met their goals. A major contributor to this gap is inadequate network or connectivity performance, as noted by nearly a quarter of respondents.
This issue is further exacerbated by investment decisions based more on AI’s potential rather than its proven returns. Around two-thirds of UK organizations are investing in AI, often driven by a fear of lagging behind rather than objective assessment. As a result, many experience financial shortfalls or underwhelming returns from their AI initiatives.
As AI and machine learning become top technological priorities, the strain on network infrastructure will only grow. According to the study, 55 percent of organizations view AI as their leading priority for the next year. However, the existing networks aren’t evolving fast enough to meet these demands. Over half of the businesses acknowledge the need for more flexible and scalable networks to thrive in AI-driven environments.
Ben Elms, CEO of Expereo, emphasizes, “Every UK organisation we speak to is investing in AI, yet the data shows a clear gap opening up between AI ambition and AI outcomes. More often than not, that gap comes down to the network underneath. AI only delivers on its promise when the infrastructure carrying it is built to support it.”
The research further highlights two critical areas of concern: security risks and cost control. Over half of the UK’s tech leaders worry about new security challenges from AI adoption. Additionally, 33 percent are increasingly anxious about losing track of AI-related costs and ROI. These points suggest governance struggles with keeping pace with rapid AI deployment.
For channel partners, these findings indicate a real opportunity. Firms that fail to realize AI investment returns will look for partners to diagnose and remedy connectivity issues. By assisting in bolstering network infrastructure and governance, partners can enhance their value propositions.
In conclusion, while UK businesses show enthusiasm for AI’s transformative potential, their network infrastructures must evolve in tandem. Addressing these urgent infrastructure gaps, reinforcing governance, and ensuring cost oversight will be critical to realizing AI’s promised benefits. Without these foundational steps, AI ambitions might remain just that—ambitions.
