According to a recent CIO report, businesses are investing a whopping $250 million in Artificial Intelligence (AI), despite facing challenges in demonstrating Return on Investment (ROI). Business leaders are striving to boost productivity, but integrating new technologies often requires restructuring existing applications, updating processes, and motivating employees to adapt to the modern business landscape. QuickBlox CEO Nate MacLeitch surveyed 136 executives to uncover the realities of AI adoption, exploring leaders' top priorities, major concerns, and their information sources for trustworthy tools in 2025.
Image Source: AI-generated image, licensed from Midjourney
The survey revealed that ease of use and integration (72.8%) are the primary drivers when choosing business AI tools. However, when asked about their biggest concerns during the selection process, 60.3% of respondents cited privacy and security as their top worry. This emphasis on ease of use raises questions about whether security is being given sufficient attention.
Human-computer interaction is becoming easier, enabling AI users to accomplish more tasks efficiently. Businesses can automate tasks, optimize processes, and make better decisions through user-friendly analytics. API-driven AI and microservices will allow businesses to integrate advanced AI capabilities into existing systems in a modular fashion. The combination of no-code solutions, automated machine learning (auto-ML), and multimodal virtual assistants with voice control will accelerate the development of customized applications without extensive AI expertise.
Although data privacy is the leading concern for leaders during the AI selection phase, only 20.6% cited it as a major issue when asked about integration challenges. Conversely, 41.2% of leaders stated that integration costs were their biggest concern. Notably, when asked "What further support do you need?", the option "more affordable options" ranked lowest, with leaders prioritizing training and education (56.6%), customized solutions (54.4%), and technical support (54.4%).
External information sources are the primary means by which leaders research trustworthy AI applications. The survey shows that 54.4% of leaders trust LinkedIn and X the most, likely due to their extensive professional connections. Despite the presence of misinformation and bias on social media platforms, decision-makers must combine online research, expert consultations, and vendor demonstrations to make informed purchasing decisions.
Regarding integration, limited in-house expertise in managing AI (26.5%) was the second biggest concern for respondents, after integration costs. With the rise of generative AI and automation, 87% of business leaders anticipate that at least a quarter of their workforce will require retraining. Businesses should be aware of the importance of regulatory compliance and develop AI governance strategies based on explainability, fairness, robustness, transparency, and privacy.
Effective communication and evidence of tangible benefits will help teams understand the necessity of adopting AI. By fostering a psychologically safe environment that encourages teams to share ideas and feedback, businesses can effectively drive successful AI implementation.
Key Takeaways:
- 🤖 72.8% of businesses prioritize ease of use when selecting AI tools, yet 60.3% of leaders express concerns about privacy and security.
- 💡 41.2% of leaders cite integration costs as a major challenge, while 56.6% desire more training and educational support.
- 🌐 LinkedIn and X are the primary information sources for leaders seeking trustworthy AI tools, but accuracy should be verified.
