AI AT SCALE: THE URGENT CASE FOR RESPONSIBLE AI FRAMEWORKS
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become increasingly central to business operations. It is rapidly transforming organisations by streamlining activities, enhancing customer offerings, improving workforce effectiveness and accelerating innovation. This has prompted executives to deploy intelligent applications and agentic systems at scale.
According to Exploding Topics, the AI market is projected to reach $1.85 trillion by 2030, with the sector expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 37.3 percent from 2025 to 2030. As companies seek to reduce costs and increase output, business spending on AI tools and overall adoption is likely to continue rising.
In 2025, 78 percent of global companies were using AI, and 90 percent were either using or exploring its use. Larger enterprises are twice as likely to adopt AI compared to smaller businesses. While smaller firms are utilising AI, adoption has been less widespread. According to NEXT, 42 percent of small businesses reported using AI in 2024, but this figure fell significantly to just 28 percent in 2025.
As AI systems become more powerful, the associated risks grow more complex, multidimensional and increasingly difficult to manage. For most organisations, stepping back is not an option. To survive and thrive in a world where AI use is becoming endemic, companies must embrace AI-driven transformation while managing its risks through responsible principles. This strategy must protect value and mitigate risk through the implementation of responsible AI frameworks.
Jan-Mar 2026 Issue
Richard Summerfield