AI’s Rising Influence: 70% View It as Most Important Technology

AI’s Rising Influence: german Perspectives and Global Trends

January 6, 2026

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a defining technology of the 21st century, and recent data reveals a growing global acceptance of its potential. A new report from Bosch’s Tech Compass indicates that 70% of over 11,000 people surveyed worldwide believe AI will be the most influential technology in the coming years Bosch Tech Compass. However, this optimism is tempered by a degree of caution, particularly in Germany, were skepticism about the pace of technological advancement remains relatively high.

Global Optimism and Hesitation

The Bosch Tech Compass survey highlights a generally positive outlook on AI’s potential benefits. More than half of respondents worldwide feel prepared for the changes AI will bring. despite this readiness, 57% express a desire for a “pause button” on technological development, suggesting a need for greater understanding and control over its implications. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the ethical and societal impacts of rapidly evolving technologies.

Germany: High expectations, Lingering Skepticism

Germany stands out for its particularly high expectations regarding AI.A critically important 77% of German respondents see AI as the most influential technology of the next decade.Though, this expectation is coupled with a notable level of skepticism. Only 59% of Germans believe technology will ultimately improve the world, a lower percentage than in many other nations, including france (53%) Bosch Tech Compass.

Only 40% of Germans currently feel prepared for the AI age, the lowest figure among the countries surveyed. This hesitancy is potentially linked to concerns about the German education system’s ability to foster innovative thinking (cited by 30% of respondents) and the effectiveness of the contry’s regulatory framework in promoting innovation (cited by 23%) Bosch Tech Compass.

Industry Leaders Call for action

Stefan Hartung, CEO of Robert Bosch GmbH, emphasizes the need to increase social acceptance of innovation in Germany. He argues for a more supportive innovation policy framework,including tax relief for investments in new technologies,streamlined bureaucracy,and a greater willingness to embrace risk. “If something doesn’t work, we shouldn’t see it as a failure, but as part of the learning process,” Hartung stated Bosch Tech Compass.

Tanja Rückert, member of the management board and CDO of Robert Bosch GmbH, notes the rapid growth of AI solutions globally. “We are seeing a rapidly growing number of innovative AI solutions worldwide that we could not have imagined just a few years ago.It is therefore not surprising that the number of people who see AI as the most influential technology of our future has skyrocketed from 41 percent to 70 percent worldwide in just three years,” she said Bosch Tech Compass.

Innovation and Risk-Taking

The survey also reveals a cultural dimension to attitudes towards innovation. Globally, 59% of respondents would encourage their children to start a business rather of pursuing higher education if they had a groundbreaking idea. In germany, this figure is slightly lower at 52%, suggesting a more conservative approach to risk-taking.

priorities for AI innovation

When asked about the areas where technological innovation should be focused,respondents worldwide prioritized climate change (37%),access to healthcare (31%),and cybersecurity (28%) Bosch Tech Compass. These findings underscore the potential of AI to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

As AI continues to evolve, fostering public trust, addressing ethical concerns, and promoting a supportive regulatory environment will be crucial for realizing its full potential and ensuring its benefits are widely shared.