A digital divide is opening up across the British economy, with just over half (55%) of “pioneer” firms adopting digital technologies and processes, while the other half (45%) are falling behind. This is according to new research by the CBI and international technology and consulting firm, IBM.
Despite the UK taking top place globally for e-commerce and fifth place for the availability of technology, it ranks only fourteenth in the world for company-level adoption of digital technology, with many companies struggling to digitise their businesses at the rate of peers in other countries.
Companies cite a mix of connectivity challenges and security concerns as barriers to digital adoption, but predominantly they are hindered by a lack of appropriate skills inside their business (42% of firms) and an unclear return on investment (33%).
The problem is not lack of conviction about the potential impact. Nearly all firms believe that digital technology has the ability to revolutionise the business landscape, driving productivity (94%), growth and job creation, and almost three quarters (73%) see improved customer satisfaction and experience as its biggest benefit.
To take advantage of digital technology across the economy, the CBI, the UK’s largest business group recommends that firms:
Carolyn Fairbairn, CBI Director-General, said: “Businesses globally are in the throes of an extraordinary digital revolution that is transforming productivity and creating a new generation of winning companies. But in the UK, too many firms are being left behind. While pioneering firms are seizing digital opportunities, nearly half are struggling – a growing digital divide that is threatening UK competitiveness.
“It’s vital that businesses in all sectors – from manufacturing to retail – truly understand digital technology’s potential, from the boardroom to the shop or factory floor. Giving digital a human face by appointing a Chief Technology Officer will help businesses build the long-term digital strategies that will be critical to their futures.
“And by harnessing the expertise of the generation at the heart of the digital revolution, firms will be better able to make the right investments for their digital future.”
David Stokes, Chief Executive of IBM UK and Ireland, said:“The ground is shifting beneath the feet of today’s business leaders, as digital sweeps every aspect of modern enterprise.
“It has left no industry or business untouched and presents huge opportunities for us all to work in innovative and more effective ways.
“As one of the leading digital economies in the world we now find ourselves with the challenge of how to sustain and grow our position and this is an opportunity that we should be hugely excited to face.”
Other findings from the CBI/IBM research include:
The CBI’s Director-General and IBM’s CEO will take part in a debate with the Hon. Ed Vaizey MP, Minister of State for Culture and the Digital Economy, on the digitisation of the British economy later today (Thursday) at the House of Commons.
Source: CBI