01 · Adoption
Who is using AI
AI use is climbing on every measure. UK firm adoption has gone from roughly a tenth of businesses in 2023 to about a quarter now, and just over half of adults say they have used an AI tool.
Data & methodology
This track asks a simple question: how many UK firms and people actually use AI, and how do people feel about it.
Where the numbers come from
Firms. The ONS Business Insights and Conditions Survey, a regular survey of UK businesses. The headline line counts firms that say they currently use AI. A second line, published by DSIT from the same survey on a consistent definition, runs a few points higher and is smoother.
People. Ofcom's Online Nation and Adults' Media Use surveys, for whether adults have used a generative-AI tool. Sentiment comes from the ONS Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, which asks whether people think AI will benefit them.
Other countries. Firm adoption across countries is from Yotzov and co-authors (2026); the UK figure there draws on the Bank of England's Decision Maker Panel.
How to read it
The firm measures use different definitions and different base populations, so compare each line with its own past rather than reading across the lines. Survey questions also vary, which is why the levels differ.