人工智能在英国的价值：增长、人员与数据

SAP and Oxford EconomicsOctober 2025 Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) represents one of the mostsignificant opportunities for UK businesses in ageneration. It has the potential to reshape howorganisations operate, how people work, and howindustries grow. From improving customer experiencesand driving innovation, to freeing employees fromrepetitive tasks and creating entirely new products andservices, AI is set to become a defining force for businesscompetitiveness and economic growth. Realising thispotential will depend not just on technology, but on howorganisations empower their people, modernise their data,and adapt their cultures to work in new ways. Then there is data. Without accurate, connected, andauditable data, AI cannot work as intended. Businessesacross all sectors - including growing industries and thosethat generate the greatest economic value for the UK - facechallenges in bringing together the right data foundations.That threatens to hold back the gains that could mattermost for our economy. AI can act as a catalyst for business transformation andenable new ways of working, create opportunities forinnovation, and strengthen the UK’s economy. This canonly happen when investment is matched by a clearstrategy, solid data foundations, and a commitment toupskilling people. Our research shows that while the UK has world-classindustries, a service-led economy that runs on data andknowledge, and a strong appetite for innovation, AIadoption remains inconsistent. Companies are spendingheavily, although often without a clear and unified strategyfor how AI will evolve their business models andstrengthen long-term performance. At SAP, we are proud to partner with our customers tobring AI, data, and applications together to power thenext generation of enterprise transformation, and helpour customers and their teams stay ready for what’s next.This report sets out where UK businesses are today, wherethey risk falling behind, and what actions can help themmove forward with confidence. With AI reimagining theworld around us, and transforming the future of businessand society, this report sets out to help leaders identifythe concrete steps that will define how AI will deliverlasting value for their organisation, their people, andfor the UK economy. There is also a people challenge. Employees are eager touse AI, however many lack the training, confidence, andsupport to do so safely and responsibly. To build anAI-ready workforce, it’s about more than just managingrisk, and requires equipping people with the skills, tools,and culture to innovate, experiment, and thrive alongsidethis transformative technology. Leila RomaneManaging Director, SAP UK & Ireland Disclaimer This publication draws on survey data from research commissioned by SAP and conducted by Oxford Economics, combinedwith supplementary insights from SAP subject matter experts, customers, and ecosystem partners. While care has been takento ensure accuracy, some perspectives represent interpretation and experience rather than statistical findings. Executive summary AI investment, per organisation, in theUK is rising fast UK businesses, on average, are spending £15.94 million onAI this year, with companies expected to increase their AIinvestments by an average of 40% in the next two years.Businesses also anticipate strong returns, with return on AIinvestment (ROI) forecast to almost double from 17% in2025 to 32% in 2027. AI investment remains fragmented Only 7% of UK businesses are investing in AI based onstrategic, holistic prioritisation, while most rely on ad hocpilots or department-led projects. That lack of focus,combined with inadequate data foundations, risks holdingback the UK’s productivity potential. Employees are eager to use AI, buttraining is not keeping pace Over two-thirds of UK businesses report ‘shadow AI’ use,and 60% say staff have not completed comprehensivetraining. Strategic AI is already helpingUK businesses see results With AI, UK businesses are already seeing better insights(36%), stronger customer engagement (34%), and fastertime-to-value (31%). With the right strategy, data, and skills,AI can help the UK move beyond efficiency gains to realgrowth and competitiveness. The reality of AI in UK business today In just two years, AI has shifted fromexperimentation in side projects to being akey part of board-level discussions aboutgrowth, competitiveness, and resilience.Investment is rising, optimism is strong, andmost business leaders believe AI can delivera return faster than other technologies. Investment is rising but strategy isfragmented. UK businesses, on average, are spending£15.94 million on AI this year, includingsoftware, infrastructure, talent, and consulting,with companies expected toincrease theirAI investments by an average of 40%in thenext two years. But the evidence from UK organisations shows thatadoption is still uneven. Too much of today’s spend isfragmented and ad hoc. Data readin