BSI: Why the Perception Between AI & Quantum Differs
In the evolving landscape of technological innovation, two titans have emerged, poised to reshape the fabric of our society: AI and quantum computing.
These cutting-edge technologies promise to revolutionise industries across the board, from healthcare to transportation, and everything in between.
Yet, as they continue to advance at breakneck speeds, a curious dichotomy has emerged in public perception.
A new global survey by the BSI, the UK's national standards body, has shed light on the nuanced public perceptions of the emerging technologies.
The AI ascendancy
The survey reveals a remarkable surge in public trust towards AI capabilities.
Scott Steedman, Director-General of Standards at BSI, notes that over half (51%) of respondents believe AI could perform aspects of their job, a significant increase from 38% in 2023.
This growing optimism is further reflected in the expectation that nearly half of workers (49%) anticipate collaborating with AI "colleagues" by 2050.
However, this rising confidence is not without its caveats. The survey highlights persistent concerns about AI deployment, with 62% of respondents globally advocating for a standardised system to flag issues or inaccuracies in AI tools.
In the evolving landscape of technological innovation, two titans have emerged, poised to reshape the fabric of our society: AI and quantum computing.
These cutting-edge technologies promise to revolutionise industries across the board, from healthcare to transportation, and everything in between.
Yet, as they continue to advance at breakneck speeds, a curious dichotomy has emerged in public perception.
A new global survey by the BSI, the UK's national standards body, has shed light on the nuanced public perceptions of the emerging technologies.
The AI ascendancy
The survey reveals a remarkable surge in public trust towards AI capabilities.
Scott Steedman, Director-General of Standards at BSI, notes that over half (51%) of respondents believe AI could perform aspects of their job, a significant increase from 38% in 2023.
This growing optimism is further reflected in the expectation that nearly half of workers (49%) anticipate collaborating with AI "colleagues" by 2050.
However, this rising confidence is not without its caveats. The survey highlights persistent concerns about AI deployment, with 62% of respondents globally advocating for a standardised system to flag issues or inaccuracies in AI tools.
Additionally, 57% express privacy concerns when interacting with AI-driven technologies.
The rapid adoption of AI, particularly Gen AI, in the business world further underscores this trend.
A recent Capgemini global study, surveying 1,100 executives from organisations with over $1 billion in annual revenue across 11 sectors, found that 96% have begun exploring Gen AI, with 97% allowing employees to use it in some capacity.
This widespread adoption has occurred in just over two years since generative AI burst onto the scene.
The quantum conundrum
In stark contrast to the growing acceptance of AI, quantum computing remains a harder sell to the public.
“Only 40% said they felt that governments and experts in the field are proactively communicating enough about the opportunities and risks of supercomputing, falling to a fifth in the UK (21%)," says Mark Thirlwell, Global Digital Director at BSI.
The survey also reveals that a mere 38% of respondents believe the opportunities presented by supercomputers and quantum computing outweigh the risks – a figure that drops even further to 24% in the UK and 30% in Germany.
These statistics paint a picture of a technology that, despite its potential, has failed to capture the public imagination in the same way as AI.
This lack of public enthusiasm is mirrored in investment trends. While quantum computing has been in development since 2014, investments have seen a decline in recent years. From a peak of excitement, funding has dropped to US$1.3bn in 2023 and further to US$1.1bn in 2024.
The confidence gap
The disparity in public confidence between AI and quantum computing can be attributed to several factors.
AI has become increasingly visible in our daily lives, from virtual assistants to recommendation algorithms, making its benefits more tangible and relatable. The rapid development and deployment of Gen AI tools have further accelerated this familiarity.
Quantum computing, on the other hand, remains largely abstract to the general public. Its complex underlying principles and the current limitations in practical applications make it challenging for people to grasp its potential impact on their lives. This lack of understanding naturally breeds scepticism and caution.
"The benefits of AI and other emerging technologies such as quantum are only just beginning to be explored. From autonomous vehicles to supercomputing for financial hubs, these technologies have the potential to transform our lives," says Philippe Metzger, IEC Secretary-General.
The path forward requires a delicate balance between fostering innovation and addressing public concerns.
As we navigate this brave new world of technological marvels, it is clear that the success of both AI and quantum computing will hinge not just on their technical capabilities, but on their ability to win the hearts and minds of the public they aim to serve.
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