AI has the immense potential to transform lives, boost industries and help tackle some of the most pressing global issues. Fully realizing this potential requires collaboration, a collective commitment to responsible innovation and appropriate regulation with education programs and skills development initiatives to help individuals better harness AI’s power.
Led by the University of Melbourne in collaboration with KPMG, Trust, attitudes and use of Artificial Intelligence: A global study 2025, surveyed more than 48,000 people across 47 countries to explore the impact AI is having on individuals and organizations. It is one of the most wide-ranging global studies into the public’s trust, use, and attitudes towards AI to date.
The findings reveal that AI adoption is on the rise, but trust remains a critical challenge - reflecting a tension between the benefits and risks:
The intelligent age has arrived
Trust remains a critical challenge
AI regulation
AI at work
This research, along with our perspective on the findings, offers a data-driven view of where leadership focus, strategic investment and workforce enablement are most urgently needed and how rising public expectations for strong AI regulation and governance need to be addressed.
For organizations to realize the true potential of AI and achieve a competitive advantage, there are four key actions that leaders should prioritize:
Transformational leadership
Enhancing trust
Boosting AI literacy
Strengthening governance
By acting decisively to address these areas, organizations can not only mitigate current risks but also drive sustainable innovation and growth.
