Survey Reveals Significant Increase in Business Use of Generative AI Over the Past Year

The Rise of Generative AI in Business: A Closer Look at Current Trends

In a rapidly evolving technology landscape, artificial intelligence has become a cornerstone for many businesses seeking to enhance efficiency and innovation. A recent survey conducted by ITmedia targeted a readership of 510 professionals keen on exploring the trends in AI application and investment. The results reveal compelling insights into how generative AI, in particular, is being integrated into business processes.

Survey Overview

The survey, titled 'AI Utilization and Investment Trends', took place from April 16 to May 2, 2025, using a self-administered online questionnaire format. The respondents included individuals engaged with the AI business domain, thus providing a relevant snapshot of current practices and attitudes towards AI.

Key Findings

The data derived from the survey indicates a pronounced shift in the way companies are leveraging generative AI. The key findings can be summarized as follows:

Increased Usage of Generative AI

A staggering 72.4% of participants indicated that their use of generative AI has increased over the last year, with 31.2% stating that the increase has been substantial. This suggests that the trend towards AI integration is not merely a fleeting phenomenon but rather a foundational aspect of modern business strategies.

Areas Affected by Generative AI

When considering the specific business functions that have benefited from the incorporation of generative AI, data analysis and research emerged as the front runners at 19.4%. Following closely are coding (16.6%) and content production (9.2%), highlighting the diverse applications of AI across different sectors.

Barriers to AI Implementation

Despite the upward trend in utilization, certain barriers still inhibit broader adoption. The survey identified the 'uncertainty of cost-effectiveness' as the leading concern (48.8%), followed by the lack of in-house expertise (36.2%) and security and data breach risks (32.5%). These challenges underline the need for companies to address not only the technical aspects of AI integration but also the economic and compliance factors impeding their progress.

Expert Insights

According to Inoue, the editor-in-chief of ITmedia AI+, these findings illustrate a consistent advancement in AI adoption among Japanese firms, yet they emphasize considerable hurdles that remain. Notably, concerns surrounding the visibility of cost benefits and security compliance represent critical aspects that need to be tackled to accelerate AI deployment in businesses.

The Future of AI in Business

In light of these insights, ITmedia AI+ is dedicated to supporting organizations by providing updated information on the latest technological trends, case studies of AI application, and solutions to the hurdles faced during implementation. The commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of the AI community is essential for helping businesses optimize their AI strategies.

For those interested in a more comprehensive overview, the full report on AI utilization and investment trends is available for download (membership registration required).

Additional Resources

- For further insights and specifics on generative AI practices and trends, visit ITmedia AI+.
- To learn more about ITmedia's overarching media presence and reach, check their official site here.

Conclusion

As we look to the future, the trends highlighted by this survey reflect a growing understanding of generative AI's potential. While challenges remain, the statistics indicate that businesses are progressively integrating these innovative solutions, thus shaping the way industries operate.