Large companies see slowdown in adoption of AI tools

New analysis from Apollo Academy suggests that large organisations may be losing momentum in their use of artificial intelligence tools. Drawing on the US Census Bureau’s fortnightly survey of more than one million firms, the research shows a downward trend in reported adoption among businesses with 250 or more employees. The survey asks firms whether they have used AI tools in the previous two weeks, including machine learning, natural language processing, virtual agents and voice recognition. While overall use of AI across the economy has grown steadily in recent years, the latest figures indicate that the largest companies are no longer leading the charge. Instead, their adoption rates appear to have stalled or declined slightly.

The finding runs counter to the assumption that major employers, with deeper resources and established technology teams, would be the first to embed AI into daily operations. It also highlights a potential gap between the enthusiasm often expressed in corporate announcements and the reality of implementation. Smaller and mid-sized businesses continue to report gradual increases in use, suggesting they may be more nimble in experimenting with new tools.

The reasons for the slowdown are not addressed directly in the Apollo report, but other studies have pointed to common challenges. These include the cost of integrating AI into existing systems, difficulties in demonstrating a clear return on investment, concerns about data quality and security, and the cultural resistance that often accompanies major organisational change. Some large companies may also be taking a more cautious stance as regulators and governments move to shape clearer rules around the use of AI in the workplace.

The figures add to a wider picture of uneven adoption across sectors and geographies. Surveys in the UK, for example, have found lower levels of employer support for staff using AI than in the United States, with many organisations yet to provide training or clear guidance. Analysts suggest that firms that delay too long risk missing opportunities to improve productivity and efficiency.

Apollo’s analysis is based on short-term usage reports rather than long-term investment decisions, but the trend may indicate that large employers are pausing for reflection. Whether this is a temporary hesitation or the start of a longer slowdown will become clearer as more data emerges over the coming months.