Digital Planning will lead an AI culture workshop at the East Midlands People & Skills conference next week – where they will also launch their latest research guide.
The workshop on 16 June, How to build a culture that embraces AI, draws on Digital Planning’s original research with SME leaders across the UK to understand why AI fails to deliver in most organisations.
As part of the programme focused on workforce capability and skills, the workshop is aimed at HR managers, L&D leads, operations directors and business owners who are responsible for digital change and making AI work in practice.
Co-founder James Ferraby said: “AI is now as much of a people and culture challenge, as a technology one.
“Most organisations we work with have already invested in AI, but find the hard part is getting staff to adopt new ways of working.”
Insights from Digital Planning’s research guide show that 77% of the hardest AI implementation challenges are cultural, not technical. Yet, most businesses focus almost entirely on the tools.
James added: “The skills gap is no longer just about technical knowledge. With the increase in AI, employers need people who are adaptable, willing to learn and confident leading change.
“Organisations that move slowly risk falling behind as AI reshapes roles, skills, and competitiveness.”
The workshop will focus on how to get staff to embrace the change that comes with adopting AI for productivity rather than resisting it.
Delegates will leave with a practical checklist and clear actions to improve adoption in their own organisations.
As part of the workshop, James will introduce Digital Planning’s latest research guide: Building a digital culture that makes tech projects work.
Based on interviews with leaders from more than 80 UK businesses, the guide identifies the cultural barriers that cause AI projects to stall and sets out practical steps to close the adoption gap.
The workshop builds on Digital Planning’s strategic partnership with the East Midlands Chamber.
Mark said: “It is important that the conversation about AI include both the leaders setting the direction and the managers tasked with getting their people on board – without both, adoption fails.”
