Bell enterprise AI study: Momentum meets market realities
AI investment is a top priority for Canadian businesses. A new Bell and Harris Poll study shows that nearly all executives polled will invest in AI over the next 1-3 years.
Our infographic breaks down these plans, from key priorities to expected challenges.
For a deeper analysis, explore the full report.
Description: Bell enterprise AI study: Momentum meets market realities
Canadian enterprises are entering a pivotal phase. Nearly every large business anticipates their use of technology to grow over the next three years and nearly all plan to invest in AI in the next one to two years. Yet scaling AI remains complex.
Momentum in AI leadership
Majority of Canadian enterprises expect rapid growth, with most businesses using AI across multiple functions and planning the majority of investments in R&D, platforms, and workforce training. 95% of business leaders say Canada is well-positioned to be a global leader in AI.
96% of enterprises expect rapid AI growth and 75% call it a strategic priority.
Top 3 AI uses
Businesses use AI for an average of 7 different purposes out of 25 categories, including:
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- 44% quality control assurance
- 39% data collection and analysis
- 35% automated customer service
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Top 3 AI investments over the next 12-24 months
99% of businesses plan to invest in AI over the next two years.
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- 67% increasing R&D budget for AI
- 62% purchasing/licensing AI platforms and tools
- 62% training and upskilling employees
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Strategic priorities influencing AI decisions
As AI adoption surges, Canadian businesses are prioritizing data sovereignty. Environmental sustainability is becoming a key factor in AI planning. Organizations are seeking energy-efficient, low-carbon solutions that align with their broader ESG commitments.
9 in 10 business leaders say AI data sovereignty is non-negotiable.
Importance of data sovereignty
|
88% |
Extremely/Very important |
|
10% |
Somewhat important |
|
2% |
Not important |
Likelihood to prioritize data sovereignty as AI usage is expanded
|
43% |
Definitely will |
|
48% |
Probably will |
|
7% |
Might or might not |
|
1% |
Definitely/ Probably will not |
Top 3 concerns
|
67% |
Increased cybersecurity risks |
|
47% |
Compliance with Canadian data residency requirements |
|
45% |
Higher costs or complexity of ensuring compliance abroad |
Importance of environmental sustainability
|
79% |
Extremely/Very important |
|
17% |
Somewhat important |
|
3% |
Not very important |
Top 3 current barriers to scaling AI
Despite the momentum, enterprises continue to face foundational challenges that slow progress.
|
46% |
Data quality and availability |
|
43% |
Lack of skilled talent |
|
41% |
Governance, risk and compliance concerns |
Opportunities for Canada to become a leader in sovereign AI are significant. Bell AI Fabric is built to seize this moment, enabling a full sovereign ecosystem. Built in Canada, for Canada.
Read the full report at bell.ca/aistudy for deeper insights and connect with a representative if you’d like to discuss what this means for your organization.
* Based on survey commissioned by Bell and conducted by The Harris Poll Canada, capturing insights from 207 senior IT decision-makers at large Canadian enterprises.