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Understanding the State of AI Governance Training in Organizations

In a recent report released by Riskonnect, alarming findings have emerged regarding the preparedness of organizations to handle the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. The 2026 New Generation of Risk Report reveals that less than half (46%) of risk leaders believe their organizations have adequately trained employees on how to evaluate AI outputs, a critical skill for ensuring the effective and responsible use of AI technologies. With the landscape of risk management evolving rapidly, the necessity for robust AI governance and training has never been clearer.

Key Findings from the 2026 New Generation of Risk Report

The survey conducted as part of this report included responses from over 250 professionals working in risk management, compliance, and resilience, uncovering significant gaps in how organizations navigate AI governance.

Training Deficiencies

While 66% of organizations report having trained employees on established rules and responsibilities concerning AI oversight, only 35% have specifically equipped their workforce with the skills to interpret AI-driven insights. Even more concerning is that just 18% have provided formal training company-wide regarding the risks associated with agentic AI. This gap in training on practical applications of AI could present substantial risks to organizations, especially as they increasingly rely on AI tools for decision-making.

As noted by Jim Wetekamp, CEO of Riskonnect, organizations must integrate strong governance policies with practical training to navigate AI’s complexities effectively. He comments, "An AI policy sets the rules. Training gives employees the practical knowledge to apply those rules in their day-to-day work." Therefore, the combination of governance and training is essential for robust risk management in an AI-centric business environment.

Policy Gaps and Economic Risk

The report also highlights that while 72% of companies have established policies governing employee AI use—an increase from 58% the previous year—only 54% of these organizations offer clear guidelines on acceptable AI practices. This lack of clarity can lead organizations to face heightened risks from AI misuse.

Moreover, the report identifies economic uncertainty as a significant threat to corporate stability, tying it with cybersecurity risks—a notable shift as cybersecurity previously dominated the list of concerns. Approximately 55% of risk leaders mark economic risk as severely impacting their businesses, reflecting the growing acknowledgment that economic volatility is a critical consideration for modern organizations.

Rising Pressures in Risk Management

As economic and geopolitical pressures mount, 75% of risk leaders indicate they feel an increase in their roles' demands. Yet, despite this increased pressure, only a quarter of these leaders perceived growth in their risk management technology budgets in the last six months, forcing many to maximize existing resources to cope with their expanded responsibilities. The need for AI's role in risk management has surged, with 74% of leaders using or planning to implement AI for handling risks, progressively moving from 62% observed in 2024.

The Importance of Integrated Risk Management

This pivot towards AI tools is designed not only to enhance efficiency but also to improve risk assessment and decision-making processes. AI is viewed as a vital resource for identifying risks, scenario planning, and uncovering previously overlooked vulnerabilities in processes. The ongoing evolution of the corporate risk landscape demands continuous improvement and adaptation, particularly in how companies leverage AI to support their objectives and protect their interests.

Conclusion

The findings within Riskonnect’s 2026 New Generation of Risk Report underscore a crucial warning for businesses as they increasingly adopt AI technologies. With substantial gaps in training and policy clarity, organizations must prioritize educating their employees on AI evaluation and governance to mitigate risks effectively. Assuring that all levels of staff are well-informed and trained will ultimately enhance decision-making and foster a safer, more efficient environment for leveraging AI’s benefits.

This critical need for integrated risk management highlights the intricate balancing act that organizations face as they embrace technological advancements while remaining vigilant about the associated risks of such innovations.