Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognised as a transformative technology with the potential to enhance organisational productivity, innovation, and strategic competitiveness. Despite growing policy support and rapid technological advances, many organisations face challenges in translating AI capability into tangible business outcomes. This study examines how organisational confidence and organisational readiness influence the implementation and expected productivity impacts of AI adoption among UK businesses. Drawing on the Technology–Organisation–Environment (TOE) framework and the digital transformation literature, the study develops a conceptual model linking organisational confidence, readiness, AI implementation strategy alignment, and perceived productivity outcomes. Data are currently being collected through a structured survey of UK organisations across multiple sectors, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, technology, and education. The proposed relationships will be tested using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). By integrating organisational confidence and readiness within a unified analytical framework, this study contributes to emerging research on the organisational drivers of AI adoption. The findings provide theoretical insights into how organisational capabilities shape the anticipated value of AI investments, while offering practical implications for managers and policymakers seeking to support responsible and productivity-enhancing AI adoption within the UK business ecosystem.