Alteryx Research Outlines the Challenges Facing the Enterprise of the Future
Businesses overwhelmingly state the pervasive use of generative AI-driven automation will have the most impact on their organizations.
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Alteryx, Inc. has released Defining the Enterprise of the Future -- independent research using data from 2,800 IT and business decision-makers globally. The study reveals the three-year road map for how enterprises will operate in an era of AI-delivered intelligence.
Results show that organizations have a strong appetite for policies and governance that regulate the use of responsible AI for this increasingly complex, data-driven future.
- 82% say AI is already impacting what their organization can achieve; 52% state they will invest in advanced technologies such as AI to respond to the changing market environment.
- More than half (57%) cite that AI uptake will become pervasive across all sectors and business functions, and 48% are excited about the combination of automation and AI in data analysis.
- 89% believe regulations and standards around AI use (including the use of generative AI) should be developed within their sector as the business landscape transforms.
- Slightly more than 9 out of 10 (91%) say such policies would help businesses implement AI responsibly, and nearly half (49%) cite the possibility of legal and ethical consequences from not having an ethical AI framework in place.
Although the current AI landscape may fill the present employment market with fear and uncertainty, a ray of optimism emerges when envisioning the skills and talent needed to create the future workforce. There is a growing appreciation for prioritizing skills seen as distinctly human.
- Almost three-quarters (72%) state that it is more important for their employees to be multiskilled than specialized in a specific area; 61% named “creativity” the skill humans will contribute in a market environment shaped by AI, followed by “emotion” and “critical thinking.”
- No singular technical skill emerged as the most important for the future workforce, but expertise in emerging technologies such as AI (28%), followed by computer software knowledge, data analysis, and data mining top the list. Creativity and digital literacy are considered essential future professional skills.
- Surprisingly, 62% believe the advanced tech talent landscape will be characterized by a talent surplus over the next three years.
When envisioning the future, most organizations advocate for the pervasive use of AI to predict and react to change, but longer-term risks stemming from the evolving business landscape loom. Although many identify AI as a key potential tool for success, it requires a combined approach of people, policies, and culture rather than technology alone to enable enterprises to plan, navigate, and overcome the unknown to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.
- When asked what factors were expected to impact businesses most, cybersecurity and data privacy threats (51%), globalization challenges (43%), high inflation and interest rates (41%), and changing consumer behavior (35%) were listed by respondents.
- Ultimately, technology alone will not drive future success; 42% will invest more in understanding customer needs to make relevant offers, and 34% cite their organizations’ need to demonstrate better ethical practices and environmental responsibility.
To be prepared for this increasingly complex, data-driven future, companies need to accomplish three key tasks: ensure their journey to digital transformation strategies surrounding AI is successful, build a multiskilled workforce capable of delivering business value from technology, and be able to leverage customer and market insights to pivot business strategies and operations to respond to external factors.
Download the full Defining the Enterprise of the Future report (short registration required).