Companies are using AI and lagging behind in governance

When it comes to governance and sovereignty in the use of AI, German companies are still lagging, according to a study by open-source provider Red Hat. The survey found that only 57 percent of the companies surveyed have an exit strategy in case their primary AI provider restricts access. 37 percent stated that a change would have moderate to significant impacts on business continuity.

The study also points to deficits in controlling AI usage: Only 30 percent of the German companies surveyed reported having mature governance structures for AI agents. Another 29 percent spoke of incomplete regulations, and 27 percent stated that they only cover basic aspects. “The results show a clear gap. AI has arrived in companies, but control and steerability are not keeping pace,” commented Red Hat's Germany CEO Gregor von Jagow on the study.

Majority has transparency in data

Knowing what happens to data when using AI is, of course, also gaining importance. 51 percent state that they can fully understand where their data is stored, processed, and potentially accessible. 46 percent admitted to not having a complete overview, and 3 percent acknowledged significant gaps. With 97 percent complete or at least partial transparency, German companies achieved a strong value in a European comparison, according to Red Hat. Italy and the Netherlands reportedly reached 90 percent.

According to over two-thirds of respondents (69 percent), open-source approaches could help improve transparency and control in AI. They expect open technologies to provide more trust through control over development and operation (69 percent), better adaptability to business and regulatory requirements (68 percent), and increased transparency and auditability (68 percent) in the next three years. Furthermore, 72 percent expressed openness to the legislator defining open-source principles such as transparency, auditability, and licensing models to promote AI sovereignty.

For the study, the market research company Censuswide surveyed a total of 500 IT decision-makers from five European countries, including 100 each from Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, and the Netherlands, on behalf of Red Hat. Like other US tech companies, the Linux specialist Red Hat, which belongs to IBM, has presented offerings that champion European sovereignty. In November, the company introduced sovereign support for the EU. In February, a tool to help companies assess their own digital sovereignty followed.

(axk)