In this episode, we explore one of the most pressing questions for Australian industry: why is AI adoption still so low, and what will it take to change that?

Our panel brings together three unique perspectives:

• Martin U. Ripple, Group Chief Executive, ANCA - a leader in CNC machines -shares how his company overcame internal resistance and is now pushing the boundaries with virtual employees and workflow innovation.
• Keith Ritchie, Head of Communications and Government Affairs, Siemens Australia and New Zealand, explains why digitalisation and AI are critical for productivity and decarbonisation - and how accessibility is transforming opportunities for SMEs.
• John O’Mahony, Partner, Deloitte Access Economics, unpacks new research on the barriers to adoption and the economic dividend Australia could unlock by accelerating AI uptake.

From practical steps like hackathons and data cleaning to big-picture policy ideas such as tax incentives, this conversation explores the cultural, technical, and strategic shifts needed to make AI a driver of competitiveness rather than a curiosity.

Takeaways

• Leadership and curiosity are essential to overcoming resistance and building confidence in AI.
• Data quality - not just structure - is a major barrier for SMEs looking to implement AI successfully.
• AI adoption is often driven by external suppliers and customer expectations, but long-term success requires clear business strategies.
• Digitalisation and AI together can unlock productivity, sustainability, and innovation across supply chains.
• Accessibility of industrial AI tools means SMEs have unprecedented opportunities to compete globally.
• Policy levers, like targeted tax incentives, could accelerate adoption and deliver significant economic gains.
• Ethical leadership and strong governance frameworks are critical for safe and effective AI implementation.

Read Australian Industry Group’s report Artificial Intelligence: Positive for companies, their people, and Australian Industry.

Note: This recording is from a live event and the audio quality may vary.