According to the 2024 Pipedrive “State of AI in Business” report, while 35% of companies have jumped on the AI bandwagon, many are still holding back due to various barriers.
One of the most significant issues is a lack of knowledge—48% of businesses that haven’t adopted AI say this is why they’re hesitant. It’s not just about knowing what tools are out there; it’s about figuring out how to start, integrate these tools effectively, and ensure they align with business goals. Many companies feel stuck without the proper guidance to take that first step.
Trust is another big hurdle. The report shows that 40% of businesses are skeptical about AI, worrying about its reliability, potential unintended consequences, and the fear of replacing human judgment with technology. Data privacy and security concerns also play a significant role in keeping businesses from moving forward.
Interestingly, only 4% of businesses cite resistance from stakeholders as a barrier, which suggests that while there’s optimism about AI, the technical and educational roadblocks are the real challenges.
For those who have embraced AI, the benefits are clear. The report reveals that 79% of adopters are driven by productivity gains, automating tasks like data entry and customer service so employees can focus on more strategic work. However, a significant gap exists in understanding AI’s full potential. For example, while 75% of adopters use AI for text creation, only 8% leverage it for lead scoring—an area with massive potential for improving sales processes.
So, how do we help businesses break through these barriers?
This is where small, agile consulting firms come into play. Unlike larger firms, we can offer personalized support ta
