Google's AI Works initiative to boost the UK's AI Adoption Key for £400bn projected Economic Growth

A new report from Google’s AI Works initiative highlights the potential £400bn in economic growth the UK could gain from AI-driven innovation. However, the report stresses that half of this potential—£200bn—depends on workers adopting AI and using it productively. Despite the growing interest in AI, two-thirds of workers, particularly older women and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, have never used generative AI at work. Additionally, smaller businesses are falling behind larger corporations in AI adoption.

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Google’s AI Works program partnered with unions, small businesses, and educators across the UK to better understand how to accelerate AI adoption and upskilling. Their pilot program reached 1,700 participants, revealing key findings. Notably, just a few hours of training can significantly increase AI usage, with workers continuing to benefit from it long after the training ends. The report also found that workers want clear permission to use AI and that AI adoption is saving workers an average of 122 hours per year.

In response to these findings, Google is evolving its Digital Garage program, launching a new AI Prompting Essentials webinar, and expanding AI Works partnerships to further support AI upskilling across the UK. The report calls on leaders to prioritize AI adoption and support widespread upskilling efforts to ensure the UK reaps the full benefits of AI.