AI Governance Profession Report 2025 | IAPP

According to the findings, a significant 77% of surveyed organizations are actively working on AI governance initiatives, with nearly 90% of those already utilizing AI technologies. Interestingly, 30% of organizations not yet employing AI are also prioritizing governance, indicating a proactive approach to ensuring effective oversight before AI deployment. The report underscores the necessity of building dedicated AI governance teams, often starting with existing employees before hiring specialized staff. This incremental approach has been shown to lead to better outcomes in AI usage and governance reporting.

The report also identifies key challenges in the AI governance landscape, particularly the difficulty in sourcing qualified professionals with the necessary skills. Respondents noted that 23.5% struggle to find suitable AI governance talent, emphasizing the need for individuals who possess a blend of AI knowledge, governance experience, and the ability to translate legislative requirements into actionable policies. The evolving nature of AI technologies necessitates continuous adaptation of governance skills, with emerging roles such as red teaming becoming increasingly relevant.

Furthermore, the report reveals that there is no universally accepted best practice for structuring AI governance teams. Approximately 50% of AI governance professionals are affiliated with ethics, compliance, privacy, or legal teams, while many organizations are integrating specialists from various departments to enhance their governance capabilities. The report also highlights the importance of collaboration between AI governance and existing privacy frameworks, as organizations seek to align their governance processes with broader digital responsibility initiatives.

As AI governance continues to evolve, organizations are encouraged to consider their unique objectives and circumstances when developing their governance programs. The report serves as a valuable resource for organizations aiming to navigate the complexities of AI governance and to establish a foundation for compliance and strategic implementation.