The current state of the AI industry is marked by significant advancements and shifts in various sectors. As we enter 2025, the industry is witnessing a more practical and strategic approach to AI implementation, particularly in asset-heavy industries like manufacturing.
Recent market movements indicate a growing confidence in AI capabilities, with 82% of manufacturers planning to increase their AI budgets over the next 12-18 months, according to Rootstock Software's 2nd Annual AI in Manufacturing Survey[5]. This increase in investment is driven by the need to enhance efficiency, supply chain resilience, and production capabilities.
The rise of industrial AI agents is a key trend in 2025, with companies like Aker BP demonstrating the transformative power of domain-specific AI agents in streamlining equipment management processes and saving thousands of hours previously spent on manual data entry[1].
In terms of market deals and partnerships, the AI industry saw significant investments in 2023, with the United States leading the way with $67.2 billion in AI investments, nearly 8.7 times more than China, the next highest investor[4]. The focus on generative AI has also surged, with funding reaching $25.2 billion in 2023, nearly octupling from 2022.
Regulatory changes are also on the rise, with policymaker interest in AI increasing globally. An AI Index analysis of legislative records shows that the number of bills containing "artificial intelligence" that were passed into law grew from just 1 in 2016 to 37 in 2022[2].
Consumer behavior is also shifting, with a growing recognition of AI's ability to impact critical operations. However, there are still concerns about AI's potential to displace jobs, with only 35% of sampled Americans agreeing that products and services using AI have more benefits than drawbacks[2].
Industry leaders are responding to current challenges by focusing on sustainable costs, broad access, and trust and security. Google Cloud, for example, is emphasizing the need for optimization and silo busting in AI implementation, with a focus on extracting maximum value from AI technologies[3].
Compared to previous reporting, the AI industry has seen significant growth and advancements. The proportion of companies adopting AI has more than doubled since 2017, with 55% of organizations now using AI in at least one business unit or function[4]. However, the industry still faces challenges, including a decline in AI-related job postings and a reduced proportion of tech roles within leading AI firms.
Overall, the current state of the AI industry is marked by significant advancements and shifts in various sectors. As we move forward in 2025, it is clear that AI will continue to play a critical role in driving innovation and growth across industries.