UK businesses to spend £15.94M on AI in 2025, SAP research shows

SAP is urging UK businesses to increase their AI investments, arguing that companies treating AI as a “technology project” rather than a comprehensive business transformation are missing significant opportunities. The German enterprise software giant’s European leadership delivered this message at the SAP Now AI Tour in London, as new research reveals UK companies plan to spend an average of £15.94 million on AI in 2025, with investments expected to grow 40% over the next two years.

What you should know: SAP’s research shows 95% of UK businesses believe AI is driving innovation within their companies, with over three-quarters expecting positive returns within one to three years.

• More than half (52%) of executives hope AI will deliver returns faster than any other technology they’ve implemented.
• Despite strong investment levels, SAP warns that businesses need long-term strategic thinking rather than short-term project approaches.

The big picture: SAP positions this push within a broader narrative of constant business disruption requiring new technological solutions to address persistent organizational challenges.

• “We are living in a changing environment where the problems are the same – every organization is looking for agility, they are looking for transformation, but we have new tools to be able to address these topics,” said Manos Raptopoulos, SAP’s Global President for Europe, APAC, Middle East & Africa.

Why this matters: The disconnect between employee enthusiasm for AI tools and organizational readiness creates both risks and opportunities for competitive advantage.

• SAP argues that employees are “running ahead of their organisations, using AI tools because they see the opportunity, although they are not always aware of the risks involved.”

What they’re saying: SAP’s UK leadership emphasizes the need for holistic transformation rather than piecemeal technology adoption.

• “UK businesses have the ambition, talent, and data to lead in AI, although too many are still treating it as a ‘technology project’ rather than a holistic business transformation,” said Leila Romane, Managing Director of SAP UK & Ireland.
• “The real opportunity is to use AI to reimagine how companies operate, how people work, and how value is created for customers.”
• “If we give them the training, sanctioned tools, and create safe opportunities for experimentation, that energy can become a real driver of transformation and growth.”

SAP’s positioning: The company frames itself as a partner for end-to-end business process optimization rather than just a technology vendor.

• “SAP’s commitment (is) no matter what journey you’re on, our role is about bringing the right people the right solutions and innovation to bring meaningful business outcomes,” Romane told attendees.