New research from nexos.ai has revealed a significant gap between AI adoption and governance across organisations: whilst 69% of respondents report using artificial intelligence in their operations, 43% still lack a formal AI policy.
The findings highlight a growing disconnect between the pace of AI deployment and the frameworks needed to manage its risks, raising questions about accountability, compliance and long-term sustainability.
The Governance Gap
The research paints a picture of an industry moving faster than its own guardrails. Nearly seven in ten organisations are actively using AI tools, yet almost half have no formal policy governing that use.
This gap is particularly concerning as regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI Act begin to take shape, requiring organisations to demonstrate responsible AI deployment across their operations.
Key Findings
69% of organisations are actively using AI in their operations
43% lack any formal AI policy or governance framework
The gap between adoption and governance continues to widen
Organisations face increasing regulatory pressure to formalise AI oversight
Why It Matters
Without clear AI policies, organisations expose themselves to a range of risks: from regulatory non-compliance and reputational damage to inconsistent decision-making and potential bias in AI-driven processes.
As AI becomes embedded in critical business functions — from customer service and recruitment to financial analysis and strategic planning — the absence of governance frameworks becomes an increasingly urgent problem.
The Path Forward
nexos.ai's research underscores the need for organisations to move beyond experimentation and establish clear, enforceable AI policies that address data handling, model transparency, accountability and ethical use.
The message is clear: adopting AI without governing it is a risk no organisation can afford to ignore.
