Lancaster University has been commissioned by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) to lead a new research project into the real-world adoption and impact of Artificial Intelligence and disruptive technologies on UK corporate reporting.

Artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning, generative AI, and autonomous AI agents, is rapidly emerging as the dominant disruptive force in corporate reporting, promising unprecedented gains in efficiency, insights, and data integrity. These technologies could, for example, automate the extraction of financial data, identify reporting inconsistencies, or enable real-time analysis of sustainability metrics.

At the same time, the shift toward more structured digital reporting (such as XBRL taxonomies and digital filing) is further increasing opportunities for AI and other disruptive technologies (AITECH), such as robotic process automation (RPA), advanced data analytics, and blockchain, to reshape the production of financial and non-financial information in corporate reports.

Steve Young, Professor of Accounting at Lancaster University Management School, will be co-leading the research. He said: “Corporate reports are an important way for customers, stakeholders and investors to hold organisations to account, and to deepen trust and transparency between big business and wider society.

“New technologies have the potential to transform not only the way these important reports are compiled, but how easily they can be understood by the wider public – however there remains a critical lack of understanding and robust evidence about how technology is currently being used in this way.

“This research project hopes to address this, and by interviewing those involved in current reporting practices, we aim to provide critical data for the FRC’s evidence base to help inform its regulatory practice and policy.”

The research team plan to conduct in-depth interviews with those involved in the oversight and day-to-day production of annual reports and accounts in Public Interest Entities (PIEs), sustainability reporting, and other investor communication in order to understand which technology and tools are being used and how; the benefits and barriers to the technology and the governance that is required to support the technology use. An online survey will also be used to capture views and experiences.

“We would love to hear from any individuals and teams within organisations who are involved in corporate reporting,” Professor Young continues. “Everything shared with the team will remain confidential and will be anonymised so we hope to capture the views and experiences of people from all levels across an organisation – and from companies at different stages of technology adoption.”

Interviews will be carried out in October, November, and December 2025, and the questionnaire survey will be launched in the second half of November. Individuals or companies interested in supporting the research are asked to complete this short online form.

The research team includes Prof. Steven Young, Dr Mahmoud Gad and Dr Dasha Smirnow from Lancaster University Management School;Prof. Ken Lee from Loughborough University, and specialist consultant, Dr Yasmine Chahed. Together, the researchers bring extensive experience in public and private sector research collaborations, as well as expertise in corporate reporting, corporate governance, and the application of AITECH.

The project is supported by relevant professional bodies, including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), and the Investor Relations Society (IR Society). These project partners are helping the research team by facilitating access to participants and sharing sector expertise.

To speak to the researchers or to find out more about this project, please contact ai-reporting@lancaster.ac.uk.