SAP Urges Businesses to Invest in AI for Transformative Growth

URGENT UPDATE: SAP has just announced a powerful message to UK businesses at the SAP Now AI Tour event in London: investing in AI is crucial for transformative growth. With rapid technological advancements reshaping industries, SAP’s leadership is encouraging businesses to embrace AI tools that promise to redefine operations and drive significant outcomes.

During the event, Leila Romane, Managing Director of SAP UK & Ireland, emphasized that the integration of AI into business processes is not merely an option; it is a necessity for survival in today’s fast-evolving market. “Our role is about bringing the right people the right solutions and innovation to bring meaningful business outcomes,” Romane stated.

SAP’s Global President for Europe, APAC, Middle East & Africa, Manos Raptopoulos, added that companies must optimize their operations end-to-end to adapt to constant disruption. “Everybody we talk with talks about transformation in this era of constant disruption. Customers want tangible business outcomes,” Raptopoulos noted, reinforcing the urgency for companies to act decisively.

New research from SAP reveals that UK businesses are poised to invest an average of £15.94 million in AI by 2025. This figure is expected to surge by 40% over the next two years as 95% of businesses acknowledge that AI is driving innovation within their organizations. However, there is a pressing need for companies to develop long-term strategies alongside their AI investments.

The findings also show that a staggering 78% of UK executives believe that AI spending will yield a positive return within one to three years, with over half (52%) anticipating returns faster than any other technology. This creates a compelling case for immediate action, as companies that leverage AI effectively can outpace their competitors.

Romane cautioned, however, that too many organizations are treating AI as a mere technology project rather than a comprehensive business transformation. “The real opportunity is to use AI to reimagine how companies operate, how people work, and how value is created for customers,” she said, highlighting the need for a shift in perspective.

As businesses race to harness the power of AI, SAP warns that aligning AI investment with employee training and support is essential. “If we give them the training, sanctioned tools, and create safe opportunities for experimentation, that energy can become a real driver of transformation and growth,” said Romane.

This urgent call to action comes at a time when AI is already reshaping workplaces, but its potential for customer value remains largely untapped. Companies that act now can position themselves to thrive in this AI-driven future.

Stay tuned for further developments as SAP continues to lead the conversation on AI integration in business. Follow TechRadar for all the top news and updates in the tech world.