Breaking down barriers to AI adoption

We are in the midst of an AI boom, yet not all organisations have jumped on the AI bandwagon.  With its immense potential to boost productivity and drive innovation across diverse applications, what is holding us back from more widespread AI adoption?

While AI has shown its transformative potential, it is not a magic wand. Using AI effectively requires a basic understanding of the technology. There will be unknowns and uncertainty, but businesses should not be discouraged.

“It can be intimidating to look at AI as a whole, and many people think you need to be an expert in all of it to use it at all. In reality, most businesses will only have a use for one specific AI technology and often do not realise how much relevant knowledge they already have that they can apply to make AI work well for them.”  

– Emma Young, AI Scientist at STFC Hartree Centre

Knowing the most relevant areas to focus on for upskilling employees will greatly streamline the process of developing AI solutions whilst building confidence in using AI. As a trusted innovation partner experienced with bringing digital technologies to industry, the Hartree Centre is well-placed to support companies, especially at the start of their AI adoption journey. We are able to understand the unique challenges businesses face, and provide the appropriate tailored support to meet the needs of each company we work with by:

• recommending the appropriate tools
• upskilling through training and opportunities to work with our staff
• offering guidance on where AI solutions can be applied to a business challenge, or an entire sector

Through our Hartree National Centre for Digital Innovation (HNCDI)  and BridgeAI funding programmes, we help companies in various sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, transport, and the creative industries. From accelerating materials discovery to predicting the risk of hospital admission for patients with alcohol-related illnesses and even simplifying the house buying process, we have helped UK companies gain a competitive edge through AI integration across a myriad of applications.  Our HNCDI program has helped 67% of companies engaged in our R&D projects to increase their capacity to innovate, while 50% of companies anticipate cost-reduction benefits through their digital transformation. Through our BridgeAI programme, we have awarded £2,210,000 worth of innovation vouchers to 181 businesses in high-growth sectors, providing them with essential technical expertise to facilitate their adoption of AI and its implementation.

The Hartree Centre’s efforts in reducing barriers to AI adoption is not limited to technical support for industry. We also provide upskilling opportunities on digital technologies, which our HNCDI and BridgeAI programmes also offer. These include self-paced courses, online and in-person workshops and programming schools. Our BridgeAI training series Discover Digital Transformation, has empowered over 280 individuals with knowledge and skills in AI, and we have also delivered training courses in digital technologies to more than 2000 individuals and 446 organisations through our HNCDI programme. Through our various training opportunities, we help UK industry stay ahead of developments in digital technologies like AI, ensuring they remain relevant in the face of rapid advancements in modern society.

To expand our reach and maximise the impact of the training we deliver, we are also partnering with Coventry University on our Digital & AI Skills Network. This joint initiative employs a regional approach in understanding local challenges, allowing us to tailor interventions more effectively. In addition to providing companies with access to training courses, webinars, workshops, and events, this initiative also aims to establish a knowledge exchange network that will enhance both the quality and relevance of the training we deliver.

The benefits of knowledge exchange extend beyond optimising our training programmes. At the Hartree Centre, we recognise the power of collaboration and networking in driving AI adoption. By hosting and participating in AI-related events ranging from academic conferences to technical workshops, industry events and public sector initiatives like the Liverpool City Region AI Summit, we not only share our expertise in advanced digital technologies but also provide opportunities for businesses to exchange insights and connect. Through these events, companies can gain valuable insights and uncover potential collaboration opportunities, accelerating their AI adoption efforts.

Overcoming the barriers to AI adoption is key to unlocking the full potential of AI. Through funding and training programs, sharing expertise at events, and fostering collaboration, we aim to lower these barriers. Our efforts will help businesses transform AI’s immense potential into real innovation and growth for the UK industry.