China Leads in Generative AI Adoption: SAS Survey Reveals
China Leads in Adopting Generative AI Technology, Surpassing Global Average
In a recent survey conducted by US AI and analytics software company SAS and Coleman Parkes Research, China has emerged as a frontrunner in adopting generative AI technology. The survey, which included 1,600 decision-makers from various industries worldwide, revealed that a staggering 83 percent of Chinese respondents reported using generative AI.
This percentage surpasses the global average of 54 percent and is notably higher than in other surveyed regions, including the United States, where 65 percent of respondents have embraced the technology. Industries such as banking, insurance, healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, retail, and energy were represented in the survey, showcasing the widespread adoption of generative AI in China.
China’s rapid progress in generative AI can be attributed to the release of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in late 2022, which sparked significant attention in the field. The country has also seen a surge in generative AI patent filings, with over 38,000 patents filed between 2014 and 2023, as reported by the United Nations’ World Intellectual Property Organization. In comparison, the United States filed 6,276 patents during the same period.
Despite restrictions on international generative AI service providers, China has fostered a robust domestic industry with tech giants like ByteDance and emerging startups like Zhipu leading the way. The competition among Chinese companies is expected to drive down the cost of large language model services, further promoting the adoption of generative AI in the enterprise sector.
The SAS report also highlighted China’s leadership in continuous automated monitoring (CAM), a controversial application of generative AI that raises privacy concerns. Udo Sglavo, vice president of applied AI and modelling at SAS, noted the challenges in holding entities accountable for CAM misuse due to the proprietary and opaque nature of the algorithms involved.
As China continues to make significant strides in generative AI, the global landscape of AI technology is set for rapid evolution and increased competition. China’s advancements in AI technology and surveillance technologies are part of its broader strategy to become a global leader in artificial intelligence.
