India leads the way in responsible AI maturity: McKinsey survey

A recent survey by McKinsey highlighted that responsible artificial intelligence (RAI) practices are crucial for organisations aiming to fully leverage the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). Notably, India is leading globally in RAI maturity, which could reflect a “greater awareness of the risks enterprises face,” the report said.

The study gathered insights from over 750 leaders across 38 countries, representing industries such as technology, healthcare, finance, and legal. The report argued that RAI fosters trust among customers, employees, and stakeholders while helping to manage risks and maintain accountability.

What the survey revealed


McKinsey evaluated companies’ RAI readiness using its AI Trust Maturity Model, which examines four main dimensions: strategy, risk management, data and technology, and operational governance of AI.

On average, organisations scored 2 out of 4, indicating that most are still establishing foundational responsible AI practices such as risk monitoring, data quality controls, and incident response plans.

The sectors leading (slightly) in RAI maturity included technology, media, telecommunications, financial, and professional services, with an average score of 2.1.

Investments in RAI

Most companies plan to invest more than $1 million in RAI over the next year, with larger firms committing even greater resources, the report said. These investments focus on recruiting specialised talent, implementing advanced technologies, and securing legal and professional support to comply with RAI frameworks.

The survey showed a clear link between higher investment levels and improved RAI maturity.

Among large enterprises with revenues exceeding $10 billion, two distinct groups emerge: one actively investing in RAI and another adopting a more cautious approach.

Those prioritising responsible AI report significant benefits, including enhanced operational efficiency (42%), stronger consumer trust (34%), improved brand reputation (29%), and fewer AI-related incidents (22%). Common areas of focus include reducing errors, strengthening cybersecurity, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Challenges

Despite these advances, many organisations still face significant obstacles. Over half of respondents (51%) cited a lack of adequate knowledge and training as a major barrier, while 40% expressed uncertainty regarding evolving regulations. These challenges, it seems, are hindering the widespread adoption of best practices in RAI.

India and ethical AI

India has been proactively advancing efforts to promote the ethical use of AI. As mentioned above, geographically, India stands out with a score of 2.5, which is 23% above the global average. This is closely followed by the United States, which scored 2.4.

Recently, at the Economic Times Digital Transformation Dialogues in Bengaluru, industry leaders too highlighted the importance of pairing growth with a strong focus on responsible and ethical AI use, stressing that this is as crucial as enhancing tech upskilling and expanding digital infrastructure.

Earlier this month, in a move towards ethical AI implementation, the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) released a ‘Guidebook on Effective Adoption and Governance of AI for Board Leaders.’ The guide serves as a framework for corporate boards to lead their organisations.

It emphasises "the criticality of establishing and upholding clear and enduring values for maintaining accountability in using AI within business operations," CII said.