Mr. Steve Hasker reports

THE AI ADOPTION REALITY CHECK: FIRMS WITH AI STRATEGIES ARE TWICE AS LIKELY TO SEE AI-DRIVEN REVENUE GROWTH; THOSE WITHOUT RISK FALLING BEHIND

Thomson Reuters Corp. has released its 2025 Future of Professionals report, which reveals a significant divide between organizations that have adopted an artificial intelligence strategy and those that have not. The report, based on input from 2,275 global professionals across legal, risk, compliance, tax, accounting, audit and global trade, shows that organizations with visible AI strategies are twice as likely as those with more informal or ad hoc adoption approaches to experience revenue growth as a direct or indirect result of AI adoption, and 3.5 times more likely to experience critical AI benefits, compared with those with no significant AI adoption plans at all. However, despite the clear benefits, only 22 per cent state their businesses have a visible, defined AI strategy, meaning many organizations may be missing out on the advantages of strategically integrating AI. Without a coherent plan that aligns AI initiatives with organizational priorities, these businesses risk falling behind in achieving meaningful returns and competitive growth.

Globally, survey respondents across industries also predict that professionals using AI will save five hours weekly within the next year, up from four hours predicted in 2024, unlocking an average of $19,000 in annual value per person, according to the study's overall findings. In the United States alone, this AI-driven efficiency could translate to a $32-billion combined annual impact for the legal and chartered professional accountant sectors.

"Professional work is now being shaped by AI, and those who fail to adapt risk being left behind," said Steve Hasker, president and chief executive officer of Thomson Reuters. "Our research shows that organizations with AI strategies are seeing significant returns on investment, while those without are struggling to keep pace. The $32-billion value opportunity in the U.S. is a wake-up call for organizations to prioritize strategic AI adoption and investment. By developing a strategy to drive both AI adoption and redeploy the productivity gains we expect to unlock, organizations will achieve sustained innovation, greater operational excellence and revenue growth -- while empowering professionals not just to be more productive, but to remain relevant."

The report highlights three key themes: bridging the gap between technology today and business tomorrow; the jagged edge of AI adoption; and the modern professional. Key findings include:

• Bridging the gap -- Eighty per cent of professionals believe AI will have a high or transformational impact on their profession over the next five years, but only 38 per cent expect significant change at their own organization this year. More than half (53 per cent) of professionals said their organizations are already seeing return on investment as a direct or indirect result of their AI adoption, with improved efficiency and productivity being the most common benefits.
• The jagged edge -- Three in 10 professionals say their organizations are moving too slowly on AI adoption, and four in 10 organizations are adopting AI without a strategy. The report reveals a significant disparity in AI adoption, with some organizations experiencing significant benefits while others struggle to implement AI effectively.
• The modern professional -- Fifty-five per cent of professionals have experienced significant changes in their work in the past year, or expect to in the coming year, and 46 per cent report skills gaps on their teams, mainly in technology and data competencies. Eight-eight per cent of professionals favour having profession-specific AI assistants, highlighting the growing importance of AI in professional work.

To access the full report, visit the Thomson Reuters website.

Methodology

Research was conducted in February and March, 2025, via an online survey of 2,275 professionals across the globe from the legal, tax, trade, accounting, and risk and compliance fields, among others, employed by corporations, firms and government agencies. Geographies included in the survey include North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

In this report, organization is the generic term used to describe: (i) firms, for those in private practice; (ii) corporations, for corporate C suite; and (iii) in-house departments, for corporate and government professionals.

Notes to editor

Survey respondents to the 2025 Future of Professionals study predict that AI usage will save professionals an average of five hours per week over the next year, an increase from four hours predicted in 2024. This enhanced efficiency represents an average annual value of $19,000 per professional across diverse survey respondents. For the United States market specifically, these time savings translate into an estimated annual cumulative impact of $20-billion for the legal industry and $12-billion for the CPA industry. The report further details significant AI-driven value across other key global markets.

Thomson Reuters -- investing in artificial intelligence

Thomson Reuters is at the forefront of delivering professional-grade AI, including agentic AI, in the fields of legal, tax, trade, accounting, risk, fraud, compliance and news. Thomson Reuters is delivering this through its build, partner and buy strategy, investing $200-million annually over the next few years to integrate responsible AI into its flagship content and technology solutions.

With thousands of colleagues employed in the field of data science, engineering, designers, and user experience specialists and analysts, Thomson Reuters provides a trusted and secure generative AI experience for its customers. The company's generative AI capabilities are built on more than 30 years of advancements in machine learning and natural language processing technology and over 125 years of professional expertise. This is all underpinned by a comprehensive collection of editorially enhanced content.

The company's commitment to AI is also reflected in the comprehensive governance structures it has in place, exemplified by its updated data and AI ethics principles, which guides its approach to AI development and deployment. With a focus on responsibility, safety and transparency, Thomson Reuters is dedicated to creating AI solutions that not only augment professional capabilities, but also adhere to the highest ethical standards.

Thomson Reuters is also investing in AI learning and development programs for its 26,000 colleagues globally, delivering continuing training and access to technology built in alignment with its AI and data principles. In addition, the organization also created distinguished scientist and engineering pathways to ensure labs colleagues can continue to grow in their careers as they help grow Thomson Reuters's solutions.

About Thomson Reuters Corp.

Thomson Reuters informs the way forward by bringing together the trusted content and technology that people and organizations need to make the right decisions. The company serves professionals across legal, tax, accounting, compliance, government and media. Its products combine highly specialized software and insights to empower professionals with the data, intelligence and solutions needed to make informed decisions, and to help institutions in their pursuit of justice, truth and transparency. Reuters, part of Thomson Reuters, is a world-leading provider of trusted journalism and news.