Risks in AI adoption are now the biggest concern for US business leaders: Vistra

Risks in adopting AI in the U.S. economy emerged as a top concern for executives, according to a recent survey by Vistra, a global business services provider.

The results show that 50% of respondents now view AI adoption as their top business risk, surpassing concerns about economic downturns (48%) and supply chain issues (43%).

The “AI fear” indicates a growing concern about adopting new technologies while ensuring data protection.

Nearly half (49%) of those using external AI solutions cited data security as their top risk, while 55% cited data protection as their top compliance issue.

Market volatility contributes to faster investment decisions. 66% of respondents said uncertainty made them act faster, and over a third described this acceleration as “significant.”

The survey also shows that 84% of companies are prioritizing technology and digital transformation, with a focus on adopting AI.

Human resources issues are also influenced by AI developments. The survey found that 45% of executives said they would consider leaving their current employer if it fell behind in adopting AI, and 30% said that “falling behind would affect their long-term loyalty to the company.”

According to the survey, 72% use AI in strategic decision-making, and only 1% have not yet implemented any form of AI.

The most commonly cited applications include cybersecurity threat identification (73%), supply chain risk management (69%), and automated regulatory compliance processes (67%).

Looking ahead, 85% of participants expect AI adoption to be critical to growth over the next three years.

Strategic changes can also be seen in the supply chains; 59% of respondents said they are shifting their supply chain activities to Latin America, making it the preferred alternative to China, followed by Southeast Asia at 57%.

EMEA was selected by 22%, indicating changes in sourcing strategies.

On regulatory issues, 28% of executives cited new policies – including ESG requirements, financial regulations and AI guidelines – as their top concern. Tariffs and trade policy were close behind at 27%. Trade uncertainty has also led to employment adjustments, with 32% noting a hiring freeze or reduction in headcount.

Jim Lee, Executive Vice President of Vistra Americas, commented: “AI has evolved from a promising innovation to a critical enabler of competitiveness. Despite the increasing compliance and data risks it poses, companies now view the AI ​​gap as a greater threat than an economic downturn or a change in regulations.”

“As business leaders navigate significant geopolitical uncertainty, AI is becoming a cornerstone of strategic decision-making, transforming the way companies manage risk and regulatory complexity and identify growth opportunities. What we are witnessing is a paradox of progress, with AI fear and ambition rising simultaneously. While companies fear what AI can do if mismanaged, they fear even more of being left behind.”

“The risk of AI adoption is now the biggest concern for US business leaders: Vistra” was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletina trademark owned by GlobalData.

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