AI use and embedded practice are different stages
Skills Development Scotland, CBI Economics · Skills Development Scotland / CBI Economics · 21 Oct 2026
Source finding
34% of surveyed organizations have embedded AI in some business functions; 2% in most functions. Another 46% report informal or individual use only.
Our interpretation
Count individual AI use and agreed working practices separately. This survey establishes neither productivity nor business value.
Method and evidence
164 organizations operating in Scotland across three sectors; 22 targeted interviews with employers and education providers. Medium evidence for reported practices in this sample.
Limits and interests
Regional self-report. Sampling, response rate, weighting and field dates are insufficiently documented in the methods annex. Published rounded categories total 101%; do not infer exact counts. SDS supports regional skills planning; CBI Economics advises businesses.
What businesses can do
For each workflow, record who uses AI, who checks results and which working rules are binding. Measure time saved and business benefit separately.
Where to start
Chart 3 on printed page 9, then Annex 1 on page 19. The publisher announcement dates release to 21 October 2026.
Related evidence
AI in everyday work · Scaling reliably