Cognilytica Research 
Global AI Adoption 
Trends & Forecast 2020 
Patterns of Worldwide Adoption of AI 

 
 
Doc. ID: CGR-GAI20 
January 22, 2020 

ABSTRACT 

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to gain traction worldwide in a range of applications and usage 
scenarios. However, AI is still in the early part of the “early majority” phase with many organizations 
sitting on the sidelines waiting for do-or-die reasons to implement AI. In reality, global adoption of AI is 
strong, especially when looking past the buzzwords of AI and focusing on the individual patterns of AI, 
such as conversational systems, recognition systems, autonomous systems including process 
automation, hyperpersonalization efforts, pattern and anomaly detection using AI, AI-enabled predictive 
analytics, and goal-driven systems leveraging reinforcement learning. In this research document, we 
share the results of the latest survey of public and private sector companies and their current stance with 
regards to AI adoption and usage.  
 
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Table of Contents 
Executive Summary 2 
Key Findings 2 

General Patterns of AI Adoption 3 

Overall AI Adoption 3 

Plans for AI Adoption 5 

Challenges to AI Adoption 7 

About the Survey 9 

Survey Methodology 9 

About Cognilytica 9 

   

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Executive Summary 
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to gain traction worldwide in a range of applications and 
usage scenarios. However, AI is still in the early part of the “early majority” phase with many 
organizations sitting on the sidelines waiting for do-or-die reasons to implement AI. In reality, 
global adoption of AI is strong, especially when looking past the buzzwords of AI and focusing on 
the individual patterns of AI, such as conversational systems, recognition systems, autonomous 
systems including process automation, hyperpersonalization efforts, pattern and anomaly 
detection using AI, AI-enabled predictive analytics, and goal-driven systems leveraging 
reinforcement learning. In this research document, we share the results of the latest survey of 
public and private sector companies and their current stance with regards to AI adoption and 
usage. 

According to survey responses, general adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to 
grow rapidly, with many companies having already implemented a single or multiple AI 
systems, and many more companies planning to do so within the next two years.   

The most popular pattern of AI being implemented is around cognitive as well as 
non-cognitive approaches to process automation, followed closely by conversational 
patterns (chatbots and other conversational systems), and then recognition systems close 
behind. 

Key Findings 
● By 2025, over ​40% of respondents say they will implement AI​ in one or more identified patterns. 
However, ​almost 90% respond that they will have some sort of in-progress AI implementation 
within the next 2 years. 

● On the whole, however, it seems that the ​world is moving mostly in lockstep with AI adoption 
happening at the same relative rates throughout the world, regardless of any region’s lead in current 
implementation. 

● 54% of respondents plan to implement AI approaches to process automation​ within the next few 
years, and ​52% of respondents plan to implement AI-enabled conversational systems​ by 2025. 

● The ​biggest barrier to AI adoption is insufficient quantity or quality of data, followed by limited 
availability of AI talent and skills.​ For those companies not planning to implement AI within the next 
two years, the primary “show stopper” was lack of ROI justification for AI projects and an insufficient 
advantage of AI projects over non-AI approaches. 

   

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General Patterns of AI Adoption 

Overall AI Adoption 
According to survey responses, general adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to grow 
rapidly, with many companies having already implemented a single or multiple AI systems, and 
many more companies are planning to do so within the next two years. 

Table 1: Overall Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Systems, By Year and Pattern. 

  2019  2020  2021  2022  2023  2024  2025 

General AI Implementation  8%  12%  17%  22%  29%  35%  40% 
Hyperpersonalization  3%  6%  13%  16%  21%  26%  35% 
Patterns / Anomalies  7%  13%  17%  25%  28%  33%  39% 
Predictive Analytics  13%  15%  19%  27%  32%  37%  44% 

Process Automation (incl. RPA)  10%  16%  19%  26%  38%  47%  54% 

Autonomous Systems  3%  5%  8%  10%  12%  14%  16% 

Conversational Systems  20%  24%  28%  36%  42%  48%  52% 

Recognition  5%  9%  15%  19%  24%  28%  31% 
Goal-Driven  1%  2%  5%  7%  9%  12%  15% 
Source: Cognilytica © 2020 
 
Survey respondents indicate that their primary interest for AI over the course of this forecast is in 
applications for process automation (both cognitive and non-cognitive) followed closely by 
conversational patterns (chatbots and voice assistants). Following closely is interest in the 
use of AI for pattern and anomaly identification and using AI approaches for predictive 
analytics. Goal-driven systems applications and fully autonomous systems lag in interest 
for AI adoption in the near term, while hyperpersonalization applications show a rapid 
ramp starting in 2022.   

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Figure 1: Adoption of AI by Pattern (2019-2025) 

In observing the above responses, while overall / broad adoption of AI grows at a rapid pace, it’s 
clear that certain patterns of AI adoption are seeing different rates of adoption. Non-cognitive 
forms of process automation as well as cognitive forms see the most rapid adoption with 
adoption exceeding 50% of survey responses, while goal-driven systems continues to see 
sluggish adoption. Conversational systems (chatbots, voice assistants) are also seeing rapid and 
enthusiastic adoption as are AI-enabled predictive analytics and pattern matching / anomaly 
systems. 

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Plans for AI Adoption 

Digging a little deeper, we asked survey respondents what their plans were for AI 
implementation in the immediate future as well as their current AI implementations. Furthermore, 
we aimed to identify if there were any regional differences in AI adoption patterns. Survey results 
below. 

Table 2: Plans for AI Adoption by Timeframe and Region 

Australia /  Africa /  S. 
  Total  North America  Europe  Asia  Oceania  Middle East  America 
No plans  9%  8%  11%  7%  14%  18%  16% 
Next 12 Months (first)  20%  18%  22%  15%  29%  12%  18% 
12-24 Months (First)  14%  7%  15%  21%  16%  25%  30% 
Over 24 months (first)  8%  5%  8%  11%  6%  14%  9% 
First in Progress  18%  24%  16%  23%  16%  18%  9% 
One in Operation  22%  26%  22%  20%  15%  11%  15% 
Multiple in Operation  9%  12%  6%  3%  4%  2%  3% 
  100%  100%  100%  100%  100%  100%  100% 
Source: Cognilytica © 2020 

As can be seen above, most respondents have either current implementations of AI systems or 
have plans to do so within the next two years.  

Figure 2: Plans and Status of AI Adoption 

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Regionally, North American firms are leading with current AI implementations with 38% of 
respondents having one or more implementations already in operation. Asian firms are showing 
rapid implementation with many projects in progress or already implemented. Africa and middle 
east firms show more cautious AI adoption with plans rolling out over the next few years.  

Figure 3: Plan and Status of AI Adoption by Region 

 
 

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On the whole, however, it seems that the world is moving mostly in lockstep with AI adoption 
happening at the same relative rates throughout the world, regardless of any region’s lead in 
current implementation. 

   

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Challenges to AI Adoption 
For those companies hesitating to implement AI or showing slow pace of adoption, we wanted to 
find out what were the primary concerns or barriers blocking AI implementation. In general, we 
identified seven major areas that posed a challenge for AI adoption: limited access to AI skills or 
talent, challenges around data quantity or quality, issues with regards to justification of return on 
investment (ROI) of AI projects, concerns over AI ethics and responsible use of AI, confusion over 
tools and technologies offered by AI ecosystem vendors, lack of sufficient evidence AI systems 
will offer better return than current non-AI approaches, and a general lack of understanding or 
incomplete understanding of AI. 

We asked survey respondents to indicate whether the challenge was severe enough that it 
prevented implementation of AI (a “show stopper”); the challenge slowed implementation efforts; 
it presented a concern but didn’t otherwise slow implementation efforts; or wasn’t a concern at all 
for the survey respondents.  

Table 3: Challenges to AI Adoption 

  Show Stopper  Slowing Adoption  Limited Concern  Not a Concern 

Limited AI Skills or Talent  13%  27%  38%  22% 
Data Quantity or Quality Issues  15%  39%  33%  13% 
Insufficient ROI Justification  18%  24%  45%  13% 
Concerns over AI Ethics  7%  8%  47%  38% 
Confusing AI Vendor Ecosystem  6%  7%  32%  55% 

Non-AI Approaches are Sufficient  22%  14%  35%  29% 

Incomplete Understanding of AI  12%  23%  37%  28% 
Source: Cognilytica © 2020 

As can be seen above, the primary show stopper for the firms that responded that they are not 
implementing AI is that existing non-AI solutions are sufficient combined with an insufficient ROI 
justification for ROI projects. Clearly, for those limited set of organizations that are not currently 
implementing AI, solution providers need to surmount the challenge of showing how AI provides 
revolutionary improvements over existing, proven solutions. 

   

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Figure 4: Challenges to AI Adoption 

Further to the above graph, while organizations might express some concerns over AI ethics and 
responsibility, it does not seem to be slowing AI implementation efforts much, if at all. The 
primary roadblocks to speedy implementation are issues around data quantity or quality and 
limited AI skills and talent.  

   

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About the Survey 

Survey Methodology 
Cognilytica conducted this survey online. The survey was sent to over 1500 individuals 
representing companies and governmental organizations across a wide range of industries and 
geographies. Cognilytica received 231 complete responses, which are factored in as detailed 
below. We believe the responses to be indicative of the market as a whole. However, the results 
might be skewed as a result of the individuals who chose to respond as well as the roles and 
visibility those individuals might have over their organization’s AI efforts. This report should be 
used in conjunction with other data that might be gathered from other additional sources to 
comprise a more complete understanding of the market and trends in this space. 

Figure 5: Survey Respondents by Region 

About Cognilytica 
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related technologies will impact all industries and all corners of the world. 
Without insight into how AI will impact you and your business, you risk being left behind. Cognilytica is a 
research, advisory, and education firm that provides real-world, industry and adoption focused market 
research, intelligence, advisory, and training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and related areas.   

● Cutting through the Hype by Focusing on Adoption — Cognilytica cuts through the noise to identify 
what is really happening with adoption and implementation of AI in public, private, and academic 
settings. We focus on the usage of AI in the real world, not the buzzword hype. 
 

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● Industry-Leading Market Research — Market-level research on application, use cases, and 
comparative research on the state of AI adoption in the industry. Focusing on real-world adoption 
of AI technology and cutting-edge application. 
● Advisory with Knowledgeable Experts — Get access to knowledgeable research analysts that 
spend their time immersed in the world of AI implementation and adoption. 
● Research through Conversation — Cognilytica generates its research through direct conversation 
with industry thought-leaders, technology practitioners, and business decision-makers. We ignore 
the press releases and skip the hype to produce unique, original research through direct 
engagement. 
● Workshop and Training Opportunities — Both three day and one day courses designed to deliver a 
“fire hose” of information that prepares you to succeed with your AI & ML Project Management 
efforts, whether you’re just beginning them or are well down the road with implementation. 
Cognilytica’s training is the only public course that Cognilytica offers, reflecting the best thinking 
and research that Cognilytica produces. 

Cognilytica analysts publish research reports, white papers, and briefing notes at regular intervals that are 
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www.cognilytica.com​ for more information on opportunities you can take advantage of. 

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