What's Happening?
A recent study involving over 2,500 KPMG employees has revealed that only about 5% of them are sophisticated users of AI, engaging in iterative and high-impact work. The majority of employees use AI for simple tasks like drafting emails or summarizing
documents, which are considered disposable. This study highlights a significant 'builder activation gap,' where many employees could potentially build with AI but few actually do. The study suggests that while many employees have access to AI tools, they often do not see themselves as creators or builders of AI solutions. This gap is attributed to structural barriers such as governance, access, time, and incentives, as well as a lack of identity as builders among employees.
Why It's Important?
The findings of this study are significant as they point to a missed opportunity for organizations to leverage AI more effectively. By not activating more employees as builders, companies may be losing out on potential productivity gains and innovations that could arise from more sophisticated use of AI. This gap also suggests that current training and incentives may not be sufficient to encourage employees to move beyond basic AI usage. For businesses, this could mean a slower pace of digital transformation and a competitive disadvantage in industries where AI is rapidly becoming a key driver of success.
What's Next?
To address the builder activation gap, organizations may need to implement strategies that encourage employees to engage more deeply with AI. This could include mandatory AI building exercises, showcasing successful AI projects by peers, and measuring the impact of AI tools created by employees. By fostering a culture where building with AI is normalized and expected, companies can potentially unlock greater value from their AI investments.
