AI study reveals knowledge gaps in global organisations

New research conducted by global community ISACA has unearthed gaps in artificial intelligence (AI) knowledge, training, and policies within organisations. The poll encapsulated views from 3,270 digital trust professionals, with a considerable 85% stating their AI skills need enhancing within the next two years for the sake of their careers.

The study pointed towards noticeable deficits in the AI field. Just 15% of organisations have AI policies implemented, and a staggering 40% lack any form of AI training. Such gaps raise concern as the data illustrates that 70% of professional respondents claim staff utilise AI, and 60% of employees deploy generative AI like MS CoPilot and Google Gemini.

Of the participants, 35% leveraged AI to boost productivity, 33% classified AI as a tool to automate repetitive tasks, and 33% used AI to create written content. However, the results weren't all positive – the survey revealed that 60% of respondents had concerns over potential exploitation of generative AI by bad actors. Further, 81% identified the spread of misinformation and disinformation as the top AI risk.

Jo Stewart Rattray, Oceania Ambassador of ISACA, expressed her lack of surprise in these findings. "This technology has crept up on organisations in Australia and New Zealand quickly and is changing rapidly, leaving little time and capacity for companies to develop and implement organisation-wide policies and procedures," she said. Ms Stewart-Rattray also stressed upon the importance of organisations preparing a policy around AI usage for consistency and accuracy of brand messaging and content, as well as supporting their security efforts.

Unprecedented growth in AI usage is inspiring companies to expand job descriptions to include AI competency, with diversification and inclusion turning into top priorities. A gender-balanced tech project team encourages diverse thinking, amplifying innovation and providing a strategic advantage to businesses.

The study found that digital trust professionals employed in information security, governance, risk and privacy are optimistic about the effects of AI on their jobs. Seventy-eight percent of professionals believed AI would have a neutral or positive impact on their careers. However, this projection is contingent on the crucial requirement of expanding AI skills and knowledge, as emphasised by 85% of respondents.

ISACA Chief Content and Publishing Officer, Shannon Donahue, addressed this concern, "AI is moving at a speed we haven't seen before, with its use in organisations outpacing the policies, training and skills." She stated that AI transitioned from being a business concept to a business imperative. ISACA recognises this, pledging commitment to supplying tools, resources and training to help entities thrive amid increased AI utilisation.

In response to the need for improved AI education, ISACA has released a series of on-demand AI training programs. Courses such as 'AI Essentials', 'Auditing Generative AI: Strategy, Analysis and Risk Mitigation', and 'AI Governance: Principles, Strategies and Business Alignment', aim to address the AI knowledge gap and provide a comprehensive understanding of AI fundamentals and governance.