Restrictive AI Laws Threaten Global Competitiveness, Say Board Directors of Leading Firms

Restrictive AI Legislation Limits Competitiveness, Say Board Directors

21 August 2025

A recent study involving some of the world’s largest companies reveals that 92% of board directors believe strict AI and robotics regulations prevent their firms from fully leveraging these technologies. The research was commissioned by fund manager Robocap and highlights growing concerns about how legislative frameworks impact strategic growth.

Over 80% of directors from FTSE 250, S&P 500, and DAX 40 companies warn that restrictive AI rules will hurt their companies' global competitiveness. This concern is so strong that 98% of those surveyed say their companies would prefer to list or relocate operations to countries with more supportive AI and robotics regulations.

AI Strategy's Influence on Company Value

Two-thirds of the surveyed directors say their AI and robotics strategy is very important to their current share price, with another 34% rating it quite important. Looking ahead, 60% expect this strategy to remain very important for the next three years, while 40% say it will be quite important.

This data underscores how AI and robotics are central to company valuation and investor confidence, making regulatory environments a critical factor in strategic planning.

Call for Supportive Policy Frameworks

Jonathan Cohen, Founder and CIO at Robocap, emphasized that having a clear AI and robotics strategy is essential for growth and profitability. He urged policymakers to develop long-term, supportive legal frameworks that enable companies to maximize their technological potential.

As countries compete to attract top businesses, establishing progressive AI legislation could be a decisive factor in where companies choose to operate and list.

About the Research

The findings come from a survey conducted by Pureprofile in March 2025, interviewing 50 board directors from major companies across the UK, US, and Germany using an online method.

• 92% believe stringent AI legislation limits technology potential.
• 84% say restrictive regulations will harm global competitiveness.
• 98% would prefer to list or relocate to countries with supportive AI laws.
• 66% say AI strategy is very important to current share price.
• 60% expect AI strategy to be very important over the next 3 years.

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