Middle Market AI Survey 2025
Source: rsmus.com
RSM Middle Market AI Survey 2025
Artificial intelligence is quickly changing business, and the middle market is leading this change. The RSM Middle Market AI Survey 2025: U.S. and Canada offers a detailed look at how AI is being used in middle market business practices. This report points out important trends, challenges, and opportunities for organizations using AI. The survey, conducted by RSM and Big Village from Feb. 21 to March 4, received 966 responses. Those surveyed needed to have decision-making power or influence over their organization's technology investments.
AI Adoption in the Middle Market
The middle market is using AI to boost innovation and efficiency. Survey results show that generative AI is widely used across the middle market, with businesses working to fully integrate it. However, many still struggle with data quality and lack the necessary expertise to fully use AI.
91% of respondents said their organization uses generative AI. Of those, 25% said it was fully integrated into core operations, while 43% said it was integrated into some operations. Among respondents who had issues with AI implementation, 41% were concerned about data quality, which was the top problem. 39% of respondents who felt unprepared for AI implementation cited a lack of internal expertise as the main issue.
The most common use for AI was text generation and summarization, with almost half (49%) of generative AI users employing it for this. Workflow development was second, with 45% using AI for it. Half (50%) of those using generative AI said it saved them time on IT projects. AI also saved time on data analytics (45%) and customer service (39%).
Challenges and Opportunities
Though AI use is growing, organizations face challenges in implementing it. Over half (53%) of organizations that implemented generative AI felt only somewhat prepared. Additionally, 10% felt either not very prepared (9%) or not at all prepared (1%). Data quality, privacy, security, and insufficient internal resources are major concerns.
Despite these challenges, companies using generative AI are generally positive about its impact, with 88% saying it has been more positive than expected.
Whether local or international, organizations want to follow regulations affecting their AI use. The most common way to stay updated is by following industry publications or thought leaders. 40% of generative AI users do this. Additionally, 36% stay updated by attending conferences, webinars, or training programs on AI legislation. Another 36% are creating internal teams to review and share updates on AI regulations.
AI requires continuous monitoring and validation. Companies are preparing employees through workshops, certifications, AI literacy programs, and education on the safe and ethical use of AI.
Organizations see AI’s potential to improve productivity and efficiency. It can free employees from manual tasks, letting them focus on projects needing human creativity.
The RSM Middle Market AI Survey 2025: U.S. and Canada offers insights into AI's impact on the middle market. As organizations adopt AI, they must navigate challenges to realize its full potential.