- 61% of CEOs are actively adopting AI agents and expect the AI investment growth rate to more than double in the next two years.
- 85% of CEOs anticipate positive ROI from AI efficiency investments by 2027, despite current challenges with disconnected technology.
- 31% of the workforce in surveyed organizations will require retraining within the next three years due to AI advancements.
A recent global study conducted by IBM (IBM, Financial) has revealed that despite facing several implementation hurdles, CEOs are significantly increasing their investments in artificial intelligence (AI). The survey, which included 2,000 CEOs from 33 countries and 24 industries, indicated that AI investment growth rates are expected to more than double over the next two years, with 61% of leaders actively adopting AI agents and preparing for large-scale implementations.
The study highlighted that a majority of CEOs, about 72%, view their proprietary data as essential for unlocking the potential of generative AI. However, 50% of organizations reported challenges with disconnected technology due to the rapid pace of AI integration efforts. This has been a contributing factor to the fact that only 25% of AI initiatives have delivered expected returns on investment (ROI), with just 16% achieving enterprise-wide scalability.
Nonetheless, CEOs remain optimistic, with 85% expecting to see positive ROI from AI efficiency investments by 2027. This is reflective of the strategic importance placed on AI, with many organizations striving to capitalize on AI-driven efficiency and cost-saving opportunities. While 54% of CEOs are hiring for AI roles that did not exist a year ago, 31% foresee that a portion of their workforce will need to be retrained or reskilled within the next three years to keep pace with AI-driven changes.
Leaders are also grappling with balancing short-term ROI pressures against the need for long-term innovation, as 59% of CEOs reported challenges in aligning funding for ongoing operations with investments in innovation. Nevertheless, a notable 67% of CEOs recognize the necessity of budget flexibility to seize digital opportunities that foster growth and innovation.
The findings underscore a critical insight that while technology is a vital component of AI adoption, leadership, specialized talent, and an adaptable organizational structure are equally essential to realizing AI’s full potential. The study emphasizes that organizations that prioritize these elements alongside AI investments are likely to emerge stronger and better positioned for future challenges.
