Permission to Scale: The Critical Role of Trust in Successful AI Adoption

This 2026 report reveals how Australian organisations navigate the AI landscape. Scaling AI demands more than technical capability. It requires a foundation of trust to shift the focus from what AI can do to what organisations should allow it to do.

Research findings

Key insights from our 25-organisation study provide the evidence needed to build sustainable AI governance and operational trust.

The AI trust paradox

AI usage is high, but confidence is low. Use trust as a permission mechanism to shift focus from what AI can do to what it should do.

The trust flywheel

Build a cycle of trust and adoption. Use small wins to gain the confidence needed to scale AI into complex workflows.

Building trust through evidence

Follow our roadmap. Make safeguards visible and train teams in human judgment to make AI use safe, credible, and worthwhile.

Scaling responsibly

Monitor your scaling. Upgrade access controls as AI gains autonomy to prove trust is warranted and earn the permission to scale.

Turn hesitation into action

Trust is the catalyst for successful AI. Get the insights and recommendations you need to lead your organisation into the next phase of AI adoption.