In recent years, some of the world's fastest growing companies have deployed artificial intelligence to solve specific business problems. In fact, according to new market research from Microsoft on how AI will change leadership, these high-growth companies are more than twice as likely to be actively implementing AI as lower-growth companies. What's more, high-growth companies are further along in their AI deployments, with about half planning to use more AI in the coming year to improve decision making compared to about a third of lower growth companies. Still, less than two in 10 of even high-growth companies are integrating AI across their operations, the research found. "There is a gap between what people want to do and the reality of what is going on in their organizations today, and the reality of whether their organization is ready," said Mitra Azizirad, corporate vice president for AI marketing at Microsoft in Redmond, Washington.

Analysts and researchers have studied the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on industries and economies, but few have focused on how AI will impact leadership. This provides a new opportunity for us to explore this area in more detail, addressing the appetite of leaders who want to learn more about the impact that AI can have on their roles. We know that without the right leadership, businesses can falter and fail. Studying the relationship between AI and leadership could reveal vital information to help companies progress on their AI journey. With these questions in mind, we embarked on a new piece of research with Susan Etlinger, AI analyst with the Altimeter Group, and Heike Bruch, Professor of Leadership at the University of St. Gallen.

The fastest-growing companies in the UK are planning to use more artificial intelligence in the next 12 months to help them stay ahead of their rivals. Bosses of firms enjoying double-digit growth said AI is important for spotting new business opportunities in their sector, developing new ideas and making decisions, according to research released by Microsoft. However, the urgency to use more cutting-edge technology is not replicated in companies who are growing more slowly or not at all, with most saying they aim to adopt AI in the next three years. Susan Etlinger, an AI analyst with the Altimeter Group who partnered with Microsoft on the study, said: "What's striking about the research is the difference between double-digit growth companies and those with lower growth. Double-digit growth companies are further along in their AI deployments, but also see a greater urgency in using AI. They are focused primarily on the coming year, while lower-growth companies are planning in more like a five-year increment. What this suggests is that the more you know about AI, the greater your sense of urgency."