Canada's Applied AI Blindspot

2025 marks a time where we no longer wonder if "AI" is just hype, and there is growing certainty that this disruptive technology is here to stay. 2024 was a year for experimentation and now organizations are taking their learnings to implement the technology, tools and processes more intentionally to generate ongoing business value. Yet, despite being in possession of world-class research and a robust digital talent pool, Canada is falling behind as global competitors race ahead in AI adoption. The issue is that businesses have a blindspot known as an Applied AI Deficit— the inability among Canadian businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to see AI as beneficial to their current operations. This explains why only 12% of Canadian firms have integrated AI into their production or services, placing Canada among the lowest in AI adoption in the OECD.

In most business innovation scenarios, being a first-mover is the desired pole position. However, when it comes to the adoption of AI, a high degree of uncertainty about bad outcomes (and the resulting reputational damage) or how soon meaningful return is materialized is causing many organizations to hesitate on AI adoption. On the other hand, by NOT moving quickly, there are real costs associated with falling behind and getting lapped by quick-moving competitors. 

AI Literacy is the key to overcoming barriers to AI Adoption. AI fluency helps align the organization on the company's strategic plans to leverage AI, while helping leaders better articulate and clearly quantify AI investments while contrasting the costs of immediate action versus the cost of inaction. 

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This is why the Government of Alberta, with support from the Federal Government, has selected Untapped Energy as the lead nonprofit organization to design and deliver an AI Literacy Program aimed directly for employers. A series of online and in-person sessions provide the necessary tools to help your organization:

• Build AI Fundamentals and Data Fluency

• Achieve Critical Thinking and Fact Checking skills

• To implement AI responsibly and ethically

• Effectively plan for the future of your organization's workforce & required AI competencies 

All participants will be provided with a Strategic AI Adoption roadmap and complete an AI Organizational Skills maturity assessment, a key foundation for your organization to prepare for its future workforce and talent strategy.

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Effective AI adoption and implementation is not an isolated effort. Being able to rely on trusted ecosystem partners is the key to a successful AI adoption in your organization. Untapped Energy is pleased to showcase Teamit Inc. as a trusted ecosystem partner you can count on for your AI adoption. 

At Teamit, successful AI adoption is not just about hiring the right talent—it's about building the right relationships. Using a relationship-driven approach ensures that your organization’s culture, goals, and challenges are deeply understood, enabling a talent solutions that are not only technically sound but is strategically aligned. Teamit has demonstrated successful AI adption through: 

• Strategic AI Talent Acquisition: We go beyond resumes to connect you with AI professionals—data scientists, ML engineers, AI product leaders—who are not only technically exceptional but also a cultural fit for your team.

• Change Management Through People: AI transformation requires more than tools—it requires trust, collaboration, and adaptability. We help you build teams that can lead and support change from within, fostering buy-in across the organization.

• Scalable, Long-Term Partnerships: Whether you're building a new AI capability or scaling an existing one, we act as an extension of your team, offering flexible recruitment models and ongoing support to meet your evolving needs.

• Market Insight & Advisory: Our close relationships with both clients and candidates give us unique insight into emerging trends, talent availability, and organizational readiness—helping you make informed, future-proof decisions.

Partnering with Teamit is more than just hiring talent — it is building a trusted partnership that supports your company's AI journey every step of the way.

Register today at early bird pricing: $499 (prices go up to $599 on August 15): AI Literacy for Employers Workshop. Or, connect with Jason Hamilton (jason@teamit.com)> to learn more about how they are helping others with their AI implementation. They have a discount code that will give you 25% off access to this AI Literacy Program.