Spotlight
Artificial intelligence in UK businesses: 2023 to 2026
This analysis uses the Business Insights and Conditions Survey to show how UK businesses are applying artificial intelligence, the factors shaping its uptake, how it is being integrated into business activities, and where its effects are emerging.Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: June 2026
What's in the bulletin?
- The cost of living (88%), the NHS (78%), and the economy (70%) were the most commonly reported issues facing the UK today.
- Around 1 in 3 adults (36%) agreed or strongly agreed that artificial intelligence (AI) will benefit them, while 37% neither agreed nor disagreed and 27% disagreed or strongly disagreed.
- Younger adults aged 16 to 29 years (47%) and 30 to 49 years (45%), and men (41%) were more likely to agree or strongly agree that AI will benefit them.
Datasets related to Digital economy
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Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: artificial intelligence (AI) by personal characteristics
Understanding of and attitudes towards the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Great Britain by personal characteristics; indicators from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN).
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Business insights and impact on the UK economy
Weighted estimates from the voluntary fortnightly Business Insights and Conditions Survey (BICS) about financial performance, workforce, prices, trade, and business resilience. These are official statistics in development.
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Internet users
Internet use in the UK annual estimates by age, sex, disability, ethnic group, economic activity and geographical location, including confidence intervals.
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Employees' use of computers and the internet: historic data
Historical annual data (2006 to 2010) on employees using computers and the internet for work in the UK.
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Businesses' use of ICT: historic data
Historical annual data (2006 to 2010) on UK businesses with e-commerce sales and information and communication technology purchases by size, location and industrial sector, type of connection and maximum speed.
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E-commerce and ICT activity
Use of information and communication technology (ICT) and e-commerce activity by UK businesses. Annual data on e-commerce sales and how businesses are using the internet.
Publications related to Digital economy
Statistical bulletins
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Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: July 2026
Social insights on daily life, including experiences of the cost of living and water use and restrictions, from the Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OPN).
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Business insights and impact on the UK economy: 20 August 2026
The impact of challenges facing the economy and other events on UK businesses, including financial performance, workforce, trade and business resilience.
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Internet users, UK: 2020
Internet use in the UK; annual estimates by age, sex, disability and geographical location.
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E-commerce and ICT activity, UK: 2019
Use of information and communication technology (ICT) and the value of e-commerce activity by UK businesses.
Articles
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Public awareness, opinions and expectations about artificial intelligence
An analysis exploring adults’ awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) use and attitudes towards the adoption of AI, including benefits and risks.
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Redefining investment in digital infrastructure in the UK
Updated estimates of investment in an expanded definition of digital infrastructure in the UK, including selected intellectual property products and permits for the use of radio spectrum. These are official statistics in development.
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Sustainable Development Goals data update, UK
Our fifth annual report on progress made towards measuring the global Sustainable Development Goal indicators in the UK.
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Public awareness, opinions and expectations about artificial intelligence
An analysis exploring adults’ awareness of artificial intelligence (AI) use and attitudes towards the adoption of AI, including benefits and risks.
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Understanding AI uptake and sentiment among people and businesses in the UK
An exploration into the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how people feel about its uptake in today’s society and business.
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Management practices and productivity in British production and services industries - initial results from the Management and Expectations Survey
Results from the second wave of a pilot survey, the Management and Expectations Survey, which gathered information on British management practices and firms' expectations for future growth.
Methodology related to Digital economy
Find, compare and visualise statistics about places within the United Kingdom.