A new report by NTT DATA, The AI Responsibility Gap: Why Leadership is the Missing Link, reveals that while businesses are rapidly adopting AI, governance and leadership are failing to keep up. More than 80% of executives believe that unclear leadership, weak governance, and workforce unpreparedness are putting AI investment, security, and public trust at risk.
“Innovation without responsibility is a risk multiplier.” – Abhijit Dubey, CEO, NTT DATA, Inc.
Key Findings:
Boardroom Divide on AI Ethics – Executives are split: some prioritize innovation, others emphasize responsibility, and a third believe both are equally important.
Regulatory Uncertainty Slows AI Adoption – 80% of leaders say unclear regulations hinder AI investment.
Security Risks Outpace AI Growth – While 89% of leaders worry about AI security threats, only 24% of CISOs believe their organizations have strong AI governance.
Workforce Unprepared for AI – 67% of executives say employees lack AI-related skills, and 72% of organizations do not have an AI policy.
Sustainability Concerns – 75% of business leaders say AI’s energy demands clash with corporate sustainability goals.
The Leadership Mandate: Closing the AI Responsibility Gap
The report urges executives to take immediate action by:
1. Building AI Responsibly – Embedding security, compliance, and transparency from development to deployment.
2. Strengthening AI Governance – Setting ethical and social AI standards beyond legal requirements.
3. Upskilling the Workforce – Equipping employees with AI skills and risk awareness.
4. Collaborating on AI Policy – Uniting businesses, regulators, and industry leaders to establish global AI governance standards.
“The business community must act now. By embedding responsibility into AI’s foundation, we unlock its full potential while ensuring it serves businesses, employees, and society equally,” said Dubey.
Conclusion
The report warns that if leadership-driven governance does not catch up with AI advancements, businesses will face increased security risks, ethical dilemmas, and lost opportunities. To secure AI’s future, organizations must integrate responsibility into AI design, policies, and workforce strategies.
