High skepticism and low knowledge of AI in Austria – Economy –

The digital skills barometer was developed by the fit4internet initiative together with partners from business and science. The current survey was conducted in cooperation with the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, the Enterprise Training Centre (ETC) and fit4internet members Cisco, Microsoft Austria and Siemens. As explained by Martin Heimelscher, Head of Information and Consulting at the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, 2,000 people were surveyed throughout Germany.

On average, they usually only have basic knowledge, as indicated by the relevant questions. The self-assessment – ​​before the specific knowledge questions were asked – was sometimes much higher, as Patricia Neumann, CEO of Siemens Austria, explains. There is a clear “knowledge gap” to be noted here. Asked whether they see more opportunities than risks, 25 percent answered yes, but 27 percent no. The rest were undecided or did not want to give an opinion.

The result was similar for the point “Using AI applications and systems makes my life easier”. The assumption that the individual would personally benefit from the technology was rated as incorrect. There were concerns about the potential for misuse, for example through the spread of so-called deep fakes. Companies also sometimes had major concerns, for example in the area of ​​data security. There were also concerns that people would become technically dependent on the systems, explained Hans Greiner, Managing Director of Cisco Austria.

About half said they had never used AI. 40% of those surveyed were simply confused about the possibilities of the new technology. However, there seems to be little desire to learn more about the subject. According to the survey, only about a quarter of the population would like to expand their relevant skills in the near future. Only 6% know this very well. There is also a gender gap here, as was emphasized. Because 68% of the informed group were men. In terms of age, people aged 16 to 29 are at the top when it comes to knowledge of AI.

A division at the federal level has also been implemented, said Hermann Erlach, head of Microsoft Austria. The results here were relatively consistent, with Vienna and Vorarlberg slightly ahead in terms of AI knowledge. When AI is used in Austria, it is professionally in the form of text generators or translation tools. In the private sector, search engines and navigation software dominate.

The creators of the digital barometer saw the results as a warning sign. “We need more understanding of technology among the population and decision-makers,” said Microsoft’s Erlach, with conviction. For example, better schooling and incentives for more vocational training are needed. It was also said that more focus should be placed on opportunities, such as the fact that the development of new products or administrative processes could be made significantly more efficient by AI solutions.