93 percent budget goes to technology, and only 7 percent on people. This is a recipe for disappointment
Briggs argues that this an error typical of every technological wave. It's easiest to add a new tool to old processes rather than rebuilding the way your company operates. And so organizations focus on models, chips and software, but ignore what actually drives value. That is, work culture, process redesign and practical training.
This approach is also confirmed by other Deloitte data on AI implementations. Most of the surveyed organizations admit that invests in AI in a “technological” way, and companies with this approach are more likely to declare that investments do not meet expectations. At the same time, only a minority report that they have redesigned roles, processes and operating models for human-AI collaboration.
The next part below the video:
Side effect? AI use is declining, shadow AI is rising, and trust is crumbling
When the human factor is underinvested, problems arise quickly and measurably. In the Deloitte TrustID study, despite growing access to GenAI in the workplace, the use of GenAI tools decreased by 15%. (between February and July 2025).
At the same time, trust in GenAI declined by approximately one third over this period, even though overall trust in the organization remained stable.
The gap between corporate AI and employee needs also includes the phenomenon of shadow AI. Among people who have GenAI available at work, 43 percent admits to failing to comply with company policies by using unapproved tools. These are often better tools, more useful to the employee, but he had no choice and must use what the corporation imposed.
Importantly, the report also indicates that training and workshops significantly increase trust in AI provided by the employer (in the study the difference was 144%).
This is a strong signal that “7 percent for people” is not cosmetic, but a condition for adoption, compliance and safety.
Check also: Work optimization at all costs? Some employers already know that it is not worth it
AI in Europe. It's similar
In Europe, the problem of people vs. technology overlaps with another fact. AI adoption in companies is still relatively low, although it is growing rapidly. According to Eurostat, in 2025, 19.95% of people used at least one AI technology. businesses in the EU, and among large companies the percentage was 55.03%.
The differences between countries are huge. From a few to over 40 percent. companies, and Poland was among the countries with the lowest share of enterprises using AI.
Why do European companies hold off on implementations? Eurostat shows that most often it is about the lack of appropriate competences, concerns about legal consequences and data protection and privacy issues.
This is an important context for Briggs's thesis. If the competence gap is number one in the region, the “93 percent for tools, 7 percent for people” model will be even more often it ended in costly frustration.
Read also: A wave of departures at Apple. Tim Cook is fighting to keep the leaders
At the same time, the EU is building an approach based on “excellence and trust”, combining support for market development with regulations (AI Act) and programs strengthening competences, including the announced initiatives in the area of AI skills.
For companies operating in Europe, in addition to purchasing technology, you must immediately plan work on implementation in processes, training, governance and compliance. These elements increasingly determine the pace and scale of adoption.
