Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to become the dominant technology of the next decade, with 72 percent of Germans believing in its dominance, a significant rise from 42 percent two years ago, according to the Bosch Tech Compass 2024. Globally, 67 percent share this view, with AI surpassing industrial robots, hydrogen fuel cells, and 5G in importance.
Also Read: Traini Launches Generative AI App for Dogs
Hesitation in Embracing AI Skills
Despite this recognition of AI's importance in Germany, there still seems to be little interest in the technology, the report noted. One-third of Germans have no interest in acquiring AI skills, compared to 18 percent globally. In contrast, countries like India, China, and Brazil exhibit much higher enthusiasm, with single-digit percentages uninterested in AI education.
Worldwide, 56 percent of workers see AI skills as vital for their jobs, but in Germany, that number drops to 41 percent, according to the report. Similarly, while 69 percent of workers in China and India already use AI at work, only 45 percent of Germans do.
"Artificial intelligence is a boost to innovation. It can transform industry worldwide in much the same way as the invention of the computer," says Tanja Rueckert, member of the board of management and CDO of Robert Bosch GmbH. "The technology offers great opportunities. It is also a task for society as a whole to make this potential clear and promote acceptance among the general public."
Also Read: Global AI-Dentistry Alliance Formed with Launch of Dental AI Association
Push for AI in Education
To address the skills gap, 57 percent of Germans support making AI a standalone school subject, close to the global figure of 63 percent.
"Competition for AI specialists is already in full swing around the world and will only increase in the future," Rueckert says. "Including AI in the school curriculum would be an important step toward ensuring Germany has the AI specialists it will need in the future."
Mixed Optimism and Concerns
Optimism about AI's societal impact is growing in Germany, with 34 percent viewing it positively, up from 26 percent in 2023. However, this trails behind China, where 66 percent express optimism. Most Germans (two-thirds) believe AI poses no threat to their jobs, compared to 50 percent globally.
"Professionals around the world have to come to terms with artificial intelligence – this will become an essential, complementary skill in professional life," Rueckert says. "Generative AI will affect how we learn, work, and collaborate – bringing significant change to workflows and processes in companies."
Also Read: Doc.com Enhances Its AI Healthcare Platform with New Developments
Cultural Hesitation with Technology
Germans generally show less enthusiasm for new technologies, with only 45 percent keen to stay updated, compared to 74 percent in India. Even within workplaces, 18 percent of German employees have received AI-related training, compared to 28 percent globally, the report revealed.
Bosch says it is addressing this lag by training 65,000 employees through its AI Academy, emphasising how generative AI can streamline workflows and reduce repetitive tasks.
Bosch Tech Compass Survey Sample
For the Bosch Tech Compass, over 11,000 individuals over the age of 18 in sever countries were surveyed in fall 2024. In Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, 1,000 participants were surveyed per country, while in Brazil, China, India, and the United States, the sample size was 2,000 per country.
