A new report by NTT DATA has revealed a growing crisis in AI responsibility. While businesses are rapidly adopting artificial intelligence, leadership and governance are struggling to keep up, creating significant risks for investment, security, and public trust.
The report, titled The AI Responsibility Gap: Why Leadership is the Missing Link, is based on insights from over 2,300 C-suite executives and decision-makers across 34 countries. It highlights a critical need for stronger leadership in guiding AI innovation while ensuring ethical responsibility.
According to the findings, 81% of executives acknowledge that AI governance, leadership, and workforce readiness are not advancing at the same pace as AI technology. This misalignment threatens to stall progress and increase risks. NTT DATA’s CEO, Abhijit Dubey, emphasized that while enthusiasm for AI is high, unchecked innovation can become a major risk. He stressed the need for leadership-driven governance strategies to bridge the gap before trust in AI is compromised.
“The enthusiasm for AI is undeniable, but our findings show that innovation without responsibility is a risk multiplier,” said Dubey. “Organizations need leadership-driven AI governance strategies to close this gap—before progress stalls and trust erodes.”
The report outlines several key challenges businesses face in AI adoption. A significant divide exists among executives—one-third prioritize responsibility over innovation, another third focus on innovation at the expense of safety, while the rest see both as equally important. Additionally, 80% of business leaders say unclear regulations are slowing down AI investment and implementation. Security remains a major concern, with 89% of executives worried about AI-related risks, yet only 24% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) believe their organizations have strong frameworks to manage these risks effectively.
Workforce readiness is another challenge, with 67% of executives admitting that their employees lack the skills to work with AI. Meanwhile, 72% of organizations do not have AI policies in place to guide responsible use. Sustainability concerns are also emerging, as 75% of leaders report that their AI ambitions conflict with corporate environmental goals, forcing businesses to reconsider energy-intensive AI solutions.
NTT DATA’s report underscores the urgency for decisive action. It calls for AI to be designed responsibly from the outset, ensuring security, compliance, and transparency. Leaders are encouraged to go beyond legal requirements and implement ethical and social AI standards. The workforce must also be equipped with the necessary skills to work alongside AI, while collaboration between businesses, regulators, and industry leaders is essential to establish clear, global AI governance frameworks.
Dubey warned that AI’s rapid advancement could outpace responsible governance, leading to security gaps, ethical concerns, and missed opportunities. However, by embedding responsibility into AI development through sound governance, workforce training, and ethical principles, businesses can unlock AI’s full potential while ensuring it benefits society as a whole.
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