Eight in Ten UK Businesses Struggle to Keep Pace with AI Governance, IBM Study Finds
Key Highlights
- ➤80% of UK executives reported an AI-related incident reaching their board or C-suite
- ➤Only 35% changed AI governance policy or frameworks after incidents
- ➤68% expect AI agents to gain decision-making autonomy by 2027
- ➤Only 53% believe governance can scale with agentic AI deployment
- ➤61% continue AI deployment within agreed risk limits as governance adapts
Expert Statements
Leon Butler, Chief Executive, IBM UK and Ireland
“AI is moving faster than governance, and that gap is becoming a business risk.”
Leon Butler, Chief Executive, IBM UK and Ireland
“With the increase of AI agents this changes the equation again. When technology can act independently, organisations need more than approval processes. They need governance built into the system itself becoming an enabler, not a constraint. The winners in the AI era will be those that can trust, govern and scale it with confidence.”
Julian David OBE, CEO of techUK
“As AI becomes more deeply embedded in business operations, trust will be a key differentiator. Organisations need governance frameworks that enable them to innovate with confidence, ensuring AI agents operate transparently, responsibly and within clearly defined boundaries. The businesses that get this balance right will be best positioned to unlock AI's full potential.”
Eight in Ten UK Businesses Struggle to Keep Pace with AI Governance, IBM Study Finds PR Newswire
LONDON, Oct. 15, 2026 * 80% of surveyed executives in the UK say an AI-related incident reached their board or C-suite in the past year, with only 35% changing AI governance policy or frameworks in response * 68% of respondents expect AI agents to have some form of autonomy towards decision by 2027, and 53% say their governance is designed to scale with agentic AI deployment * When organisations want to deploy AI faster than governance and compliance frameworks for the intended use of AI are ready for, 61% continue within agreed risk limits while governance adapts; just over one in four (27%) delay deployment until governance is ready LONDON, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New research by IBM (NYSE: IBM) finds that AI-related incidents are widespread across the UK, but governance capabilities and risk accountability are not keeping pace with adoption of the technology.
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