Member Article

46% of British businesses increase investment in automation post-lockdown

New research conducted by Vanson Bourne on behalf of emerging technology consultancy, Emergence Partners, has found that 46% of UK businesses have been driven to increase their investment in automation as a result of the recent lockdown.

The research, which surveyed 500 IT decision makers across the U.S., U.K., France and Germany, represents a clear signal from businesses globally that investment in automation is a huge priority, with two thirds (66%) of respondents increasing investment in the technology either significantly or slightly. U.S. businesses are leading the way in terms of investment (75%), with France (68%) and Germany (67%) in close pursuit and the UK tracking at a significantly lower level (46%).

While investment undoubtedly remains strong in the markets surveyed, IT decision makers highlighted several key issues hampering further adoption. A lack of in-house technology knowledge & skills (39%) was the chief concern, something that has been a long time issue, as demonstrated by a recent report from the Open University. However, also present was a feeling that businesses lack a strategic approach to technology buying (30%).

Other issues focused on difficulty navigating a ‘complex and commoditised automation ecosystem’ (29%) and lack of senior level buy-in, with almost one in four (24%) indicating they’re yet to get the seal of approval from those in charge. Further limiting factors came from the vendor landscape, with outdated vendor licensing models (21%) and a lack of consultancy/support from vendors (20%) cited as key concerns.

David Poole, CEO of Emergence Partners, said: “Technology adoption is truly a non-negotiable feature of the modern workplace, and as these results demonstrate it’s also a top priority for business. However, what is clear is businesses feel somewhat lost when looking to invest, whether that’s due to a lack of appropriate knowledge within their team or a sense of confusion when trying to navigate the vendor landscape.”

He continued: “Our whole business model is focused on helping companies address these issues. Whether by diagnosing potential opportunities on the horizon, developing a strategic roadmap for long-term success, or running tech immersion and executive education sessions, Emergence exists to help businesses navigate the new, disruptive world in which we find ourselves.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by David Poole .