Hong Kong firms lag mainland China on AI adoption amid legacy-system burden: Accenture

The report from Accenture indicates that Hong Kong's slower AI adoption stems from internal organizational and infrastructural challenges. The identified issues, entrenched legacy systems and a risk-averse corporate mindset, suggest that the barrier is less about recognizing AI's potential and more about the practical complexities of integrating it into existing operations. This implies a significant internal effort is required beyond merely acquiring new technology.

The contrast with mainland China highlights different approaches to technological change. While mainland firms show a higher rate of multi-functional generative AI deployment, Hong Kong businesses contend with established systems that may not readily accommodate new AI tools. This situation often necessitates substantial investment in overhauling or reconfiguring current IT infrastructure, which can be a slow and costly process.

A cautious corporate culture further contributes to this lag. Prioritizing stability and avoiding potential disruption can lead companies to defer large-scale AI initiatives, particularly when the immediate return on investment is uncertain or difficult to quantify. This mindset can result in slower decision-making and a preference for incremental changes over more transformative technological shifts, even as competitors in other regions move more quickly.