The latest research from the Future Skills Organisation (FSO) has unveiled a compelling narrative about artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in Australian workplaces, highlighting both significant challenges and opportunities for professional development.
The FSO report, conducted in collaboration with Mandala Partners, reveals that: 43% of organizations in finance, technology, and business sectors are not utilising AI, and one-third of workers are not integrating AI into their daily work practices. This underutilisation represents a substantial missed opportunity, particularly given the projected economic potential of AI – an estimated $115 billion in economic value for Australia by 2030.
One of the most intriguing findings is the generational disparity in AI adoption. Younger employees demonstrate a greater propensity to embrace AI technologies to enhance their work processes, while older workers are significantly less likely to integrate these tools. This digital divide not only impacts individual productivity, but could potentially create broader economic inefficiencies.
Despite the current low adoption rates, the research indicates a profound awareness and enthusiasm for AI among professionals. More than half of the workers believe AI will be crucial in the near future, and over two-thirds express a desire to increase their AI usage. Most tellingly, 86% of respondents are actively seeking more AI training—a clear signal that the workforce is eager to upskill and adapt.
The FSO report offers a strategic roadmap for addressing the AI skills gap. The vocational education and training sector emerges as a critical player, with its extensive network of approximately 4,000 training providers and a learner community of 5 million.
Patrick Kidd, CEO of Future Skills Organisation, emphasises the importance of a collective approach to building AI capabilities, including investing in training to equip the workforce with these essential skills, and points to the National AI Capability Plan as an enabler of this approach.
Click here for a full copy of the report and to watch the FSO's briefing on the new report follow this link.
