AI to drive business growth in UK & USA, survey reveals

The 2025 VivaTech Confidence Barometer has revealed diverse levels of optimism regarding technology across Europe and North America, with American and UK business leaders displaying the highest confidence in their technological competitiveness.

Data released by Viva Technology from the survey conducted by OpinionWay highlights a strong overall confidence in emerging technologies, scoring 87 out of 100. A significant number of executives, 81%, reported an improved perception of new technologies' role in maintaining their company's competitiveness over the past year.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been identified as the most likely technology to impact businesses in the coming years, with 65% of executives emphasising its importance. This interest in AI is reflected in investment intentions, with 85% of companies planning to increase their AI investments within the next 12 months.

The survey reveals a stark contrast between the United States and Europe regarding technological competitiveness. In the USA, 92% of executives believe their companies are leading internationally, while 82% of UK decision-makers consider their businesses as frontrunners in technological innovation adoption.

Business leaders in France and Germany also expressed a reasonable level of confidence in their companies' international competitiveness, with 76% of executives sharing this view. However, Italian executives were less optimistic, with only 64% considering their enterprises competitive.

Executives believe that highly qualified employees, continuous R&D investment, and a strong international reputation are critical for ensuring companies' technological competitiveness. Additionally, there is a noted importance, particularly in the USA and France, on international collaboration to strengthen technological standing.

Concerns related to privacy and the spread of fake news remain significant for business leaders. A striking 77% expressed worries about privacy invasion and misinformation. The sentiment is particularly heightened in the USA and Spain, with Germany and Italy showing slightly less concern.

On the environmental front, 70% of executives expressed concern over technology's negative impact. This sentiment was more pronounced among startups and scaleups, while in the USA, concern has notably increased over the past year.

Despite these concerns, technology is still viewed positively as a solution to significant societal challenges by 90% of the business leaders surveyed. Technology's ability to improve education systems, facilitate information access, and address misinformation are seen as crucial benefits.

Country-specific observations indicate that German executives are particularly convinced of technology's role in education, while the UK and Spain emphasise technology's role in combating misinformation. French leaders noted a marked increase in the acknowledgment of diversity and inclusion benefits from technology.

Overall, the survey's results display an acknowledgement from executives of the double-edged nature of technological progress, presenting both opportunities for advancement and challenges related to societal impacts, privacy, and the environment.