As AI tools become more powerful and accessible, the conversation is shifting—from the capabilities of the technology itself to how people interact with it. We can see a lot of focus by AI model providers on research tools, advanced voice functions, long-term memory, and more. Now, true transformation doesn’t come just from smarter models; it comes from smarter use. That’s why AI literacy—the knowledge and skills to understand, evaluate, and apply AI safely and effectively—is becoming a strategic priority.
In 2025, this shift is visible across sectors. The EU AI Act requires AI providers and deployers to ensure a sufficient level of AI literacy for those using or operating AI systems. A dedicated living repository is already tracking emerging practices. The newly released DataCamp 2025 report shows that 69% of the 500+ leaders from the US and the UK now consider AI literacy essential to daily work, and that mature literacy programmes are closely tied to increased productivity and faster decision-making. Notably, 92% of leaders who implemented mature AI and data literacy programmes report increased revenue.
In New Zealand , the AI Forum’s AI in Action 2025 report found that 73% of New Zealand businesses already offer AI training. Government frameworks such as the Public Service GenAI Guidance and the Public Sector AI Framework both recognise capability-building as a foundational pillar.
The message is clear: AI literacy isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s essential for empowering people to adopt AI responsibly, mitigate its risks, and unlock its potential. If your team is starting or scaling up your AI capability, now is the time to think beyond the tech—and start with the people.
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