Introducing the AI Quotient: A New Measure of Readiness
At the heart of the report is a new metric — the AI Quotient (AIQ) — designed to assess how well individuals and organizations adapt to, collaborate with, and harness AI for business value. More than a technical index, the AIQ reflects employee confidence, the quality and consistency of training, the speed of adoption, and how well AI is integrated into business workflows.
On this front, Europe is trailing behind. The US outpaces the EU in AI investment (€62.5 billion in 2023 vs. €9 billion), and Europe's AIQ suffers due to fragmented training initiatives, lower salary competitiveness (with France at just 37% of US wage levels), and lower employee confidence in AI tools.
A Fragmented Training Landscape
One of the key challenges is the inconsistency in AI training. Just 52% of European companies offer structured AI training programs, compared to 62% in the US. This training gap contributes to uncertainty: although European employees are equally eager to develop AI skills, only 48% feel confident using them, compared to 59% in the US. The shortfall extends beyond technical expertise — many employees lack cognitive familiarity with AI, such as prompt engineering skills and an understanding of ethical implications.
While both regions share the goal of using generative AI to boost productivity, the US is slightly ahead in implementation: 36% of American companies have deployed GenAI solutions, versus 32% in Europe. Moreover, 43% of US firms consider adopting new AI technologies a top priority, compared to just 37% in France.
The report also reveals a disconnect in AI training perceptions between executives and frontline employees. It calls on European businesses to invest in continuous training to keep up with rapid AI advancements.
A Wake-Up Call for Europe
Lead analyst Indranil Bandyopadhyay emphasizes:
“Europe’s lag in AI adoption, development, and investment presents a serious challenge in today’s AI-centric economy. Raising employees’ AIQ is no longer optional — it’s vital for retaining talent, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation. European leaders must commit to structured training, responsible AI usage, and building employee trust in AI. Without these efforts, Europe risks falling further behind in the global AI race — and missing out on the growth it promises.”