Business attitudes to new technology revealed in research

Research from AXA has shown that small businesses are doubtful about next generation technology affecting their business in the future.

The study looked at how 898 companies feel about technology such as robots, driverless cars, and 3D printing, and whether they expect to use these new advances.

Online

The research showed that whilst over 40 per cent of small businesses still do not have a website, the majority plan to move their business online within the next year.

By contrast, only one in five businesses plan to use cloud-based software, whilst just 6 per cent said that they expect to start using smart technology.

Just 8 per cent are expecting to use driverless cars, and just 2 per cent expect to see 3D printing used “during their lifetimes.” The majority of UK businesses are also sceptical about robots, with 80 per cent believing that robots will never be able to work in their company.

Ambition

AXA Business Insurance Managing Director Darrell Sansom said that the research shows that there is “still some scepticism among business owners about these technologies reaching their salon, building firm or shop floor.”

However, Sansom believes that smart technologies will reach businesses. He added that smart homes, artificial intelligence, and driverless cars are “developing rapidly, and are set to radically change British society” and that “those who grab the opportunities first could profit enormously over the coming decades.”