AI Adoption Split: Business Embrace Meets Growing Hesitation

Two Roads Diverge in AI Strategy

A fresh survey conducted by Arizent paints a striking picture of America’s corporate AI landscape: about 50% of firms are actively embracing and experimenting with artificial intelligence, while the other half are still sitting on the sidelines. The divide reflects both excitement and deep uncertainty in the business community, particularly among professional services and financial firms. For the adopters, AI offers promise in driving operational efficiency and unlocking new growth opportunities. Yet for the laggards, concerns range from data security and regulatory risks to a lack of internal talent and strategic direction. The disparity suggests that companies waiting too long may soon find themselves outpaced by more agile rivals.

Fear, Risk—and the Talent Gap

Many firms hesitate not because they doubt AI’s potential, but due to infrastructure and knowledge gaps. Leaders in non-adopting companies cite a lack of clear use cases and insufficient in-house expertise as major roadblocks. Regulatory ambiguity and fears around bias, misinformation, and over-automation are also holding organizations back. While some executives call for a “wait and see” approach, others worry that staying idle could lead to missed opportunities and competitive decline. As larger players begin to pour resources into AI capabilities, the pressure is on for late movers to develop a viable strategy—or risk being left out of the next wave of transformation.