Data & Research Correspondent · Cambridge

Thomas Achterberg

Thomas writes about the evidence: academic research, official statistics and the surveys that underpin claims about AI and productivity. An economist by training, he has a weakness for methodology sections and a low tolerance for charts without axes.

Latest from Thomas

Two colleagues compare budget sheets with a workflow diagram in an office, illustrating the task of measuring AI costs and value.

AI Adoption & Strategy

KPMG AI Pulse: scaling AI exposes a value-measurement gap

KPMG’s Q3 2026 executive survey links reported AI returns with stronger controls and clearer ownership. It does not establish which causes which.

By Thomas Achterberg · 15 Oct 2026 · 5 min read

Office staff review a workflow using coloured cards and laptops, illustrating the process preparation involved in agentic AI adoption.

AI Adoption & Strategy

Deloitte’s agentic AI survey exposes a business-readiness gap

In Deloitte’s August 2026 survey, ambitions for autonomous agents ran well ahead of preparedness. Data, governance and workforce investment were among the weaknesses.

By Thomas Achterberg · 15 Oct 2026 · 5 min read

A customer-service adviser reviews an email while speaking through a headset in an ordinary office.

Business AI Success Stories

Octopus Energy’s Arlo trial reports higher customer satisfaction

The company’s July 2026 results cover a small share of routine UK customer emails. Human escalation remains central, and costs and productivity gains were not disclosed.

By Thomas Achterberg · 15 Oct 2026 · 5 min read

A technician checks a small connected media box beside network equipment in a business equipment room.

Big Tech & Research

Anthropic’s IoT worm tests point to device-security gaps

Small models can run across cheap connected devices. Anthropic has not yet shown them completing an autonomous infection cycle—a distinction that matters for security spending.

By Thomas Achterberg · 15 Oct 2026 · 6 min read