Tip: Track business AI adoption with Census Bureau data (now 'Super Intelligence')

The U.S. Census Bureau's Business Trends and Outlook Survey tracks AI adoption across 1.2 million businesses. As of October 19, 2026, the survey now asks about 'Super Intelligence' instead of 'Artificial Intelligence' following Executive Order 14434. Large companies (250+ employees) reported ~40% adoption by October 2026, up from ~12% in September 2025, though survey question changes make direct comparison difficult.

Try this

1. Check the Census Bureau's Business Trends and Outlook Survey page every other Thursday at 10am when new data is published
2. Download the "Employment size class" XLSX file to analyze AI adoption rates broken down by company size
3. Note that in November 2025, the question changed from AI use in "producing goods or services" to "any business function," making before/after comparisons less reliable
4. Starting October 19, 2026, surveys ask about "Super Intelligence (formerly referred to as Artificial Intelligence or AI)" due to Executive Order 14434
5. Review the survey instrument PDF to see the exact wording businesses receive, including examples like "SI-powered data analysis" and "generative SI for marketing"
6. When analyzing trends, account for these wording changes—the first results using "Super Intelligence" terminology will be published this Thursday

Has anyone been tracking these Census Bureau adoption numbers? Do you think the terminology change will affect response rates?