Over 60 per cent of companies say their transformation is too slow
Lucerne - More than 60 per cent of Swiss companies are falling short of their own aspirations when it comes to digital transformation. Businesses that use generative artificial intelligence to create value are more successful. These are findings of a recent study by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
Swiss companies are approaching transformation too slowly and inconsistently, particularly when it comes to generative artificial intelligence (AI). This is according to the latest Business Transformation Survey 2.0 from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), which surveyed 400 decision makers.
In a statement summarizing the findings, HSLU writes that over 60 per cent of companies feel that their own adaptation to technological change, shifting customer needs, economic pressure, geopolitical tensions, or new regulatory challenges is too slow. «Companies want change, but many are failing to implement it with the necessary speed and consistency,» study author Jan Schlüchter is quoted as saying. While transformation initiatives are launched, there is often a lack of clear responsibilities, sufficient resources, and consistent progress measurement and management. Many companies therefore get stuck in isolated initiatives or pilot projects.
According to HSLU, the gap between agile and slow-moving companies has increased since the first survey in 2022: «The differences are particularly evident in leadership, communicative support, learning ability, and the sustainable implementation of changes,» said Schlüchter.
The study also shows that many companies are still unable to derive measurable economic benefits from generative AI. However, the further along they are in their generative AI efforts, the more positively they assess their progress in transformation. The results show that this gap is particularly evident in procurement, where the integration of generative AI is being held back by a lack of expertise, limited resources, and unclear responsibilities. «The bottleneck, therefore, lies not in the willingness to adopt it, but in organizational capability and scaling,» summarized Schlüchter.
To improve the management of transformation and AI initiatives, the study outlines 10 specific recommendations for action. For the study’s authors, the most effective levers for change include visible, decisive leadership, a clear shared vision, open communication about progress, regular measurement, and a culture that embraces learning and failure as part of the development process.
