Today, many enterprises are eager to embrace generative AI as they recognize its potential for creating innovative solutions and driving business growth. However, a recent survey conducted by PwC reveals that along with its benefits, generative AI also presents significant challenges, including potential security risks.
The Concerns of Global CEOs
In the survey, PwC interviewed over 4,700 global executives, including 231 from the U.S., to gain insights into their strategies for reinventing their business models and delivering value to customers and employees. While most CEOs acknowledged the potential of generative AI, a significant number also expressed concerns about building trust in the technology.
“77% of the CEOs surveyed agreed that generative AI may increase the risk of cybersecurity breaches.”
This survey sheds light on the goals and concerns of global executives regarding generative AI. These leaders expect generative AI, powered by groundbreaking models like GPTs, to begin delivering returns this year. However, these returns will not be immediate profits; instead, the CEOs anticipate improvements in product quality, as well as significant changes in how their companies create, deliver, and capture value in the long term.
The Benefits and Competition
On a granular level, the CEOs expect generative AI to enhance employee productivity, with 64% of them anticipating that their employees will be able to accomplish more with the power of generative AI in the coming months. Around 60% of the CEOs also anticipate an improvement in their own efficiency through the use of this technology.
Furthermore, these anticipated benefits are expected to translate into an enhanced bottom line. 44% of the surveyed CEOs project a net increase in profits within the next 12 months, demonstrating their belief in the positive impact of generative AI on business performance.
However, with the adoption of generative AI across industries, competition is expected to intensify. 68% of the CEOs anticipate increased competition within the next three years as generative AI empowers organizations and their teams. In this scenario, the workforce’s skills and ability to unlock value from generative AI will become the differentiating factor for success.
Addressing Challenges and Instilling Trust
Although the societal impact of generative AI remains uncertain, the survey highlights the importance of building trust in the technology. CEOs recognize that cybersecurity breaches pose a significant roadblock, with 77% of them acknowledging the potential risk.
Moreover, CEOs expressed secondary concerns, including the spread of misinformation within the company (63%) and potential legal or reputational damage (55%) resulting from generative AI.
“Earning trust can be an opportunity to differentiate your company.”
PwC emphasizes that CEOs must ensure responsible use of AI within their organizations and work towards establishing trust. Transparency, purpose-driven decision-making, and effective management of the tensions stemming from AI implementation are key elements in this process.
By training and encouraging employees to embrace generative AI, while also implementing trusted practices, organizations can foster organic trust in the inputs and outputs of AI systems. Building trust can be a powerful intangible asset, enabling differentiation and driving success during business transformations and operational changes.
