Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming industries across Australia, enabling businesses to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive.

Below are key statistics on adoption rates, job impacts, and investment levels in AI and automation within Australian businesses.

Adoption Rates

• Implementation Rates: Over 35% of Australian businesses have adopted AI or automation technologies as of 2024.
• Industry Leaders: The technology, manufacturing, and financial services sectors lead in AI and automation adoption.
• Business Size: Larger companies (500+ employees) are more likely to invest in AI, with a 60% adoption rate compared to 20% in small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Primary Uses: Common applications include predictive analytics, customer service chatbots, and process automation.

Job Impact

• Workforce Changes: 45% of companies using AI report changes in workforce roles, with many shifting toward more specialized, analytical positions.
• Job Displacement: AI has automated routine tasks but also created new roles in data analysis, AI maintenance, and machine learning development.
• Employee Upskilling: 65% of businesses investing in AI have implemented upskilling programs to prepare their workforce for new roles.
• Worker Sentiment: Surveys show 72% of employees view AI as an opportunity to enhance their roles rather than replace them.

Investment Levels

• Spending Trends: Australian businesses’ AI-related spending grew by 20% in 2024, reaching an estimated $3.5 billion.
• Sector Investments: Financial services and healthcare are among the highest spenders, prioritizing AI for fraud detection and patient care improvements.
• Government Support: The Australian Government has allocated $124 million toward AI research and development to accelerate adoption.
• Return on Investment (ROI): 48% of businesses report a positive ROI within the first year of implementing AI solutions.

AI and automation are shaping the future of Australian business, offering enhanced productivity and new opportunities for growth. These trends underscore the importance of strategic adoption and workforce preparation to maximize the benefits of these transformative technologies.

Further Reading:

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics, AI and Automation Trends in Australian Businesses, 2024
2. Deloitte Insights, The Future of Work: AI Adoption in Australia, 2024
3. The Australian Financial Review, AI Investment Soars in Financial Services, 2024
4. CSIRO Data61, AI and Machine Learning in Australian Industries, 2024
5. PwC Australia, Workforce Impacts of AI and Automation, 2024
6. The Guardian Australia, Australian Government Boosts AI Funding to Drive Innovation, 2024