PwC Pulse Report outlines AI revolution

In an era defined by technological breakthroughs, artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. PwC’s 2024 Pulse Survey underscores this transformation, revealing that nearly half (49%) of technology leaders have integrated AI into their core business strategies, with one-third embedding it into their products and services. These findings highlight a critical imperative: AI success is driven not only by adoption but by visionary strategy.

As a leading AI consultancy and solutions provider, Brandly is uniquely positioned to help businesses harness AI’s full potential. From bespoke AI assistants to tailored training and cutting-edge automation, our offerings empower organisations to thrive in this dynamic landscape. Here, we explore the key insights from PwC’s survey.

1. AI as the cornerstone of strategic growth

PwC’s survey highlights a shift among top-performing companies: AI is no longer an experimental tool but a strategic linchpin. According to the report, top-performing businesses are twice as likely to realise value from generative AI compared to their peers, highlighting its importance in driving innovation and operational efficiency. These leaders adopt a portfolio approach, achieving incremental wins – such as a 20% to 30% increase in productivity and speed – while pursuing transformative “moonshots” like new AI-driven business models. Companies that embed AI deeply into their operations position themselves to achieve measurable gains in productivity, speed, and revenue, with 73% of executives predicting significant business model changes due to AI adoption.

2. AI agents/assistants: The workforce of tomorrow

PwC’s findings predict a doubling of the workforce through AI agents or assistants – digital workers capable of automating routine tasks, accelerating processes, and supporting innovation. These agents are expected to transform workflows significantly, with 78% of respondents believing that over a quarter of their tasks will be automated within the next three years. Additionally, 41% of executives cite workforce challenges, including training and change management, as top concerns when integrating generative AI, underscoring the importance of leadership in managing this transition. Far from replacing humans, these agents augment teams, creating a synergistic, tech-powered, human-led approach to business transformation.

3. Responsible AI: A pillar of sustainable ROI

Sustainability and governance are no longer optional – they’re integral to AI success. PwC emphasises that responsible AI practices are essential for building trust, ensuring compliance, and achieving long-term ROI. According to the survey, 46% of executives ranked differentiating their organisation through responsible AI practices as a top-three objective, while 36% indicated their organisations now have AI ethics policies in place, up from 21% in 2023. These figures highlight the growing demand for transparency and systematic risk management as businesses scale their AI initiatives.

4. Accelerating sustainability with AI

AI’s energy demands present a dual challenge: minimising its environmental footprint while leveraging its power to drive sustainability. PwC predicts that AI will expedite the global transition to renewable energy and optimise resource use across sectors. The survey highlights that 63% of top-performing companies are increasing cloud budgets with sustainability considerations in mind, while innovative AI-driven efficiencies are projected to slash energy consumption across R&D and production processes by 30% or more. Additionally, AI’s capacity to generate actionable insights for emissions tracking and supply chain optimisation empowers businesses to align with emerging environmental regulations.

5. AI’s transformative impact across industries

The survey illustrates AI’s far-reaching influence, from healthcare and manufacturing to financial services and consumer markets. In fact, 66% of marketers reported that AI is either very important or critically important to their success over the next 12 months. Leaders in these sectors are leveraging AI to innovate faster, with 59% aiming to accelerate revenue growth and 64% seeking more actionable insights from marketing data. By personalising customer experiences and enhancing operational efficiency, businesses are positioning themselves as industry front-runners in the AI revolution.

6. Bridging the AI skills gap

Despite widespread enthusiasm for AI, PwC identifies a critical challenge: a lack of education and training is the top barrier to adoption, cited by 67% of respondents. Moreover, 75% of organisations either do not offer AI-focused education or are still developing training programs, leaving employees ill-equipped to adapt. Without the necessary skills and understanding, businesses risk falling behind in this rapidly evolving landscape, as 78% of respondents anticipate significant automation of their tasks within three years.

Brandly addresses this gap through comprehensive AI training programs designed for teams at all levels. From foundational workshops to advanced technical training, we empower businesses to build internal AI expertise. Our goal is to demystify AI, enabling teams to leverage its capabilities confidently and effectively.

Actionable steps to embrace AI with confidence

To capitalise on AI’s transformative potential, businesses must act decisively. Here are three steps to guide your journey:

1. Conduct an AI readiness assessment: Identify areas where AI can create the most value, from cost reduction to innovation. Brandly’s consultancy services provide detailed assessments and actionable recommendations tailored to your goals.
2. Invest in quality data: AI thrives on data, but success depends on its quality. Focus on modernising critical datasets and leveraging Brandly’s automation tools to streamline data management and analysis.
3. Prioritise training and governance: Equip your workforce with the skills to lead AI initiatives and establish robust governance frameworks. Brandly’s training programs and consultancy ensure you’re prepared to navigate AI’s complexities responsibly.

Why choose Brandly as your AI agency?

Don’t wait to embrace the future. Contact Brandly today and discover how our AI-powered solutions can supercharge your business, boost efficiency, and set you apart in a competitive landscape.

PwC’s survey makes one thing clear: the businesses that lead with AI will define the future of their industries. As a trusted AI consultancy and solutions provider, Brandly combines cutting-edge technology with unparalleled expertise to deliver results that matter. From strategy, policy, training to automations and bespoke assistants, we help businesses unlock AI’s full potential.

You can read the full PwC’s 2024 Pulse Survey report here >