TE Connectivity survey reveals inconsistent emergence of AI era globally

Rhea-AI Summary

TE Connectivity's 2025 Industrial Technology Index reveals uneven global AI adoption patterns, with significant implementation challenges despite widespread initiation. The survey of 1,000 engineers and executives across five countries shows that while 68% of engineers and 70% of executives report some AI integration, less than a quarter indicate 'extensive' adoption.

Key findings show stark regional differences: China leads with 28% extensive AI usage and 60% having 3+ years of implementation, while the US lags at 15% and 9% respectively. Japan (51%), Germany (38%), and India (29%) show varying levels of 3+ year AI usage.

The study highlights a critical training gap, with 42% of executives admitting their companies don't provide AI training despite strong engineer interest. Additionally, while 50% of executives recognize AI's potential for process optimization and energy efficiency, only 36% prioritize sustainability in their AI strategies. Notably, 80% of surveyed engineers express preference for employers prioritizing AI integration.

Industrial Technology Index shows most companies have begun adopting AI, but inadequate training is limiting widespread integration

GALWAY, Ireland, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2025 Industrial Technology Index from TE Connectivity, a world leader in connectors and sensors, shows the integration of artificial intelligence at companies around the world is being hindered by a lack of comprehensive training programs, though optimism around the technology remains strong.

"This year's Industrial Technology Index shines a light on the challenges and opportunities that companies face when integrating a disruptive technology like AI," said CEO Terrence Curtin. "TE and industrial technology companies we work with and serve around the world are at an important inflection point. It's imperative that business leaders and engineers are thoughtful about integration and invest in training so that their businesses realize the benefits more rapidly and drive future growth."

The third annual survey of executives and engineers from around the world shows that AI adoption is widespread, with 68% of engineers and 70% of executives reporting their company has integrated it to some extent. The desire to learn is strong among engineers, yet 42% of executives say their company is not providing training in AI. That may be one of the reasons less than a quarter of respondents across all examined countries report "extensive" adoption of AI in their company.

The survey also found that AI adoption rates vary by country. In China, 28% of respondents say their company is using AI extensively and 60% indicate their company has been using AI for at least three years. In contrast, just 15% of respondents in the United States say their company is using AI extensively and only 9% say that their company has been using AI for at least three years. In the other countries surveyed, 51% of Japanese respondents say their company has been using AI for at least three years, compared to 38% of Germans and 29% of Indians.

Despite widespread recognition of AI's potential, the technology's role in sustainability initiatives remains largely unleveraged. While half of executives cite AI's ability to optimize processes and improve energy efficiency as a key benefit, a minority (36%) cited sustainability as a key goal of their AI strategies. Other data from the report indicate companies have prioritized financial priorities over sustainability goals amid current global economic challenges, with organizations increasingly prioritizing AI integration around cost savings and efficiency over environmental targets.

Beyond improvements in productivity, companies that invest in AI could also see a positive impact on their pipeline of job applicants, as 80% of the engineers surveyed expressed a desire to work for an organization that prioritizes AI integration.

The 2025 Industrial Technology Index from TE Connectivity surveyed 1,000 engineers and executives from China, Germany, India, Japan and the United States who work in a variety of industries including automotive, industrial machinery, cloud computing, AI and more.

To view the full report and learn more about the industry's perspective on the intersection of innovation, AI and sustainability, visit te.com/techindex.

About TE Connectivity
TE Connectivity (NYSE: TEL) is a global industrial technology leader creating a safer, sustainable, productive, and connected future. Our broad range of connectivity and sensor solutions enable the distribution of power, signal and data to advance next-generation transportation, energy networks, automated factories, data centers, medical technology and more. With more than 85,000 employees, including 9,000 engineers, working alongside customers in approximately 130 countries, TE ensures that EVERY CONNECTION COUNTS. Learn more at www.te.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, WeChat, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).

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SOURCE TE Connectivity plc

FAQ

What percentage of companies have adopted AI according to TE Connectivity's 2025 survey?

According to the survey, 68% of engineers and 70% of executives report their companies have integrated AI to some extent, though less than 25% report extensive adoption.

How does AI adoption in China compare to the United States in 2025?

China leads with 28% extensive AI usage and 60% having 3+ years of implementation, while the US shows lower adoption with 15% extensive usage and only 9% with 3+ years of AI implementation.

What is the main barrier to AI implementation identified in TE's 2025 report?

The main barrier is inadequate training programs, with 42% of executives reporting their companies do not provide AI training to employees.

How do engineers view companies that prioritize AI integration in 2025?

80% of surveyed engineers expressed a desire to work for organizations that prioritize AI integration.

What role does AI play in sustainability initiatives according to TE's survey?

While 50% of executives recognize AI's potential for process optimization and energy efficiency, only 36% cite sustainability as a key goal in their AI strategies.