Healthcare falls behind other major sectors of the global economy when it comes to AI maturity, scoring only 1. 3 out of 5 across 15 categories. In comparison, life sciences/pharmaceuticals lead with 4. 3, followed by technology with 3. 8, and food/farming with 2. 5. Even sectors like retail (2. 2), transport/mobility (2. 0), and built environment/construction (1. 9) are ahead of healthcare. These scores are based on a survey conducted by BSI Group, part of the British Standards Institution, which received responses from 932 business leaders across the UK, US, France, Germany, The Netherlands, China, Japan, India, and Australia. The survey encompassed categories such as AI investment, AI training, and communication surrounding AI both internally and externally. There is some positive news for healthcare, as the BSI analysts state in their report that being less mature in the AI shift can have its advantages, as relentless optimism can overshadow potential risks. Here are some key observations from BSI regarding the results of five out of the 15 categories: 1. Investment Small and medium enterprises face difficulties in keeping up with larger operations, as only 41% of them are planning significant spending on AI in the next five years, compared to 62% of larger firms. While money is important, it is not the sole determinant of a successful AI rollout, but it does indicate intent. 2. Confidence and appetite within the enterprise Leaders in life sciences and technology are most likely to encourage the use of AI in their businesses (88%), while only 54% of healthcare leaders say the same. However, 74% of those in healthcare express confidence in the industry's ability to harness the benefits of AI. 3.

Internal communications and engagement Overall, 74% of organizations are informing their employees about the current or future use of AI. However, fewer than one-third (32%) are providing a significant amount of information. China (93%) and India (90%) lead in providing AI information to employees, while healthcare lags with only 48% doing so. 4. Trust in AI Nearly 80% of respondents claim to have greater trust in AI compared to a year ago, although there is a divide, with 24% in the UK and 21% in France disagreeing. Trust is also low among those working in healthcare and transportation. 5. Training 87% of surveyed leaders believe that businesses have a responsibility to train teams on AI tools to protect jobs. However, there is a notable gap between expectation and reality. While 76% of global business leaders claim awareness of their company offering training on how to use AI tools safely and ethically, only 40% have specific learning and development programs to ensure successful AI training. Furthermore, the BSI authors highlight that while 80% of leaders are more excited about the potential use of AI by businesses compared to a year ago, over half (52%) also express increased concern, reflecting the complex relationship societies have with AI.