The study examined the use of artificial intelligence from the perspective of the human brain: Do companies tend to use rational, analytical AI that mimics the abilities of the left hemisphere of the human brain, the "left brain AI"? Or rather creative, generative AI that corresponds to the abilities of the right hemisphere of the brain, so-called "right brain AI"? The result: "Right Brain AI" is the most frequently used artificial intelligence.

In the Pegasystems study, 44% of respondents worldwide stated that they primarily use this type of AI (Germany: 36%). The most popular uses are creative or productivity-enhancing tasks such as content creation (worldwide: 61%, Germany: 70%), processing large amounts of information (worldwide: 54%, Germany: 52%) and chatbots (worldwide and Germany: 51%). Less than a third of all respondents primarily use "left brain AI" (worldwide and Germany: 30%). Tools for predictive analysis (worldwide: 57%, D: 59%) and decision management (worldwide: 42%, D: 45%) are primarily used. "Left Brain AI" and "Right Brain AI" are used in equal measure by 25% of respondents (Germany: 34%).

Companies overestimate their understanding of AI

As further results of the study show, companies apparently overestimate their understanding of AI. At 93%, the vast majority of respondents believe they have a good understanding of AI and how it works (D: 98%). However, 80% are of the opinion that AI has only been used in companies for less than five years (D: 90%), although the general use of artificial intelligence dates back to the 1980s. Only 7% expressed the view that AI has been used for 10 years or longer (D: 6%). Almost two thirds of respondents (65%) could not identify the correct definition of generative AI (D: 69%), although only 3% admitted to not knowing what this technology is (D: 2%). These contradictory figures could explain why almost two thirds (61%) reported failed AI implementations (D: 61%).

Spending on AI is increasing

Further figures from the Pega study. The study is based on a global survey of 500 business decision-makers.

© Pegasystems

Spending on AI is increasing, as are expectations. 92% of respondents believe it is likely that they will expand their use of AI in the next five years (D: 90%). 74% are "extremely" or "very" confident that AI can bring transformative added value to their company in the next five to ten years (D: 82%). At 82%, the vast majority expect to be able to attribute up to half of their profit increase in the next three years directly to the use of AI (D: 89%). However, 85% also spend up to half of their annual IT budget on AI solutions (D: 91%). 77% admit that they have already wasted budget due to a lack of strategy. This shows that more care is needed when investing in AI.

"Generative AI is the flag bearer of a new wave of AI enthusiasm. Many companies are using it as a catalyst to not only explore other types of AI, but also to drive creativity and innovation," explains Don Schuerman, Chief Technology Officer at Pegasystems. "Over the next few years, not only will AI in all its various forms accelerate, it will also become more widespread. To take full advantage of this, companies need to ensure that they have the necessary know-how and understanding to make their AI projects a success. We expect that companies will not only use more and more AI-based productivity tools in the coming years. They will also work with AI to drive innovation that delivers the best possible outcomes for them and their customers."

About the study

The study was conducted by market research company Savanta and presented at the PegaWorld iNspire corporate conference in Las Vegas. It is based on a global survey of over 500 business decision-makers on their understanding and use of AI as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with its implementation. 100 business decision-makers from Germany also took part in the survey.