Key insights from UK innovation adoption and diffusion survey 2025
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has published key insights from the UK innovation diffusion and adoption survey, commissioned in 2023.
This survey, first of its kind in the UK, focused on 20 different technologies and received responses from 4,595 organisations covering both
- their use of innovative technologies (adoption)
- their role in selling technologies to others (diffusion)
The insights offer valuable data to help shape innovation policy and support for UK businesses.
Main highlights on technology adoption
The survey shows more than half of businesses (56%) have adopted at least one new technology. Adoption rates vary by business size larger companies lead adoption, with 80% using new technology, compared to 48% of micro businesses.
Regions like the North East (66%) and London (65%) have the highest adoption rates, while Northern Ireland (42%) and the South West (47%) have the lowest. In terms of sectors, finance and insurance (62%) lead the way, while transport (35%) and construction (47%) lag behind.
Most popular technologies include remote working systems (24%), future telecoms (18%), and sustainable business practices (16%). Least common are quantum computing (6%) and biotechnologies (5%). In terms of technology adoption support, 85% of businesses used non-financial help, while 73% accessed financial support. About a quarter spent over 10% of turnover on new technologies.
Key enablers of adoption are reported to be strong leadership/management (41%), clear evidence technology works (40%) and skilled, adaptable employees (39%). The main barriers include government regulation (19%), data privacy or security concerns (17%) and challenges integrating new tech (16%).
Main highlights on technology diffusion
24% of businesses actively spread technologies to others, with diffusion strongest in large organisations (49%) across regions like London (32%) and Scotland (31%).
Sectors leading diffusion include Information & Communication (31%) and Wholesale/Retail (27%). Top factors helping diffusion are employee skills (47%), demand for technology (46%), scalability (43%), and proven benefits (43%).
Most diffused technologies include artificial intelligence, future telecoms, recycling and waste technology, and remote working systems (each around 6%)/
Benefits of innovation
Overall, the survey findings suggest that innovation improves productivity (39%), streamlines processes (31%), and cuts costs (29%), underscoring its value for UK business growth.
To explore the full survey findings, read the UK innovation diffusion and adoption survey report.
First published 19 September 2025
