Recent advances in artificial intelligence technology and the changing business needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic are driving the adoption of AI, according to new market research commissioned by IBM. The "Global AI Adoption Index 2021," survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of IBM, sheds light on the deployment of AI across 5,501 businesses in China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile and Peru), Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. According to the annual survey, while advances in AI are making it more accessible, some global businesses are still facing a multitude of challenges when it comes to adopting AI. "As organizations move to a post-pandemic world, data from the Global AI Adoption Index 2021 underscores a major uptick in AI investment. We believe these investments will continue to accelerate rapidly as customers look for new, innovative ways to drive their digital transformations by taking advantage of hybrid cloud and AI," said Rob Thomas, Senior Vice President, IBM Cloud and Data Platform.

Cognitive computing typically refers to simulate human intelligence to enable computers to understand data and derive insights, all through the use of AI and machine learning. Applications of cognitive computing are enormous giving computers the human-like brain to compute data at fast. As a collection of algorithmic capabilities, the technology strengthens employee performance, automate complex workloads and create cognitive agents to mimic both human thoughts and engagement. Cognitive computing and its applications are holding much promise for Human Resources (HR), transforming HR functions and paving ways for new possibilities. As businesses always face challenges in acquiring adequate talent, in an IBM survey of 6,000 executives, 66 percent of CEOs believe cognitive computing can drive significant value in HR, while 50 percent of HR professionals acknowledge cognitive computing to drive transformation in HR.