The report shows that this percentage is much higher than in the rest of Europe. This is because 42 per cent of all European managers share this view, and in neighboring countries Germany (39 per cent) and the United Kingdom (30 per cent) the proportion is even lower. However, 96 percent of European managers are in principle in favor of introducing a data-driven approach and creating a “digital first” business model.
Cognizant asked managers in ten European countries how they are preparing for the future. The findings reveal three key issues for managers to prioritize: reaping the full benefits of accelerating technology adoption, reviewing workforce strategies, and finally meeting environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals.
Over 60 percent of European respondents plan or have already implemented quantum computing, blockchain, robotics, cloud computing and/or virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR). Cloud computing has the highest implementation rate in Europe (87%) and virtual/augmented reality is still lagging behind. 52 percent of companies are already using this, or think they will soon.
The Netherlands leads the way when it comes to bot implementation (67%) or intent to roll it out. When it comes to quantum computing, the Netherlands ranks second (58%) and Germany tops the list (60%). Blockchain is often on the agenda in all countries: on average, 53 percent of managers plan to use it. Norway tops the list here with 58 percent, and the Netherlands is last on this list with 50 percent.
Almost half of European respondents (45%) admitted that they lack the necessary personnel to apply and use advanced technologies. In Sweden, this number is higher (49%) and in the Netherlands, four in ten managers (38%) say they do not have employees who can implement new technologies.
A higher percentage of European respondents consider it more important to plan data and digitization in the long term than in the short term (46% vs 43%). The Netherlands considers the adoption of the latest technology to be the most important, while Germany sees the least need.
