Enterprise AI investments are forging ahead despite elusive ROI

"The question many enterprises are asking themselves in 2026 is whether they are transforming their businesses fast enough to see the benefits of new technologies, most notably AI. The answer, according to PwC's 29th Global CEO Survey: Not really - at least, not yet. In fact, the majority of enterprises aren't seeing any real revenue increase or cost reduction as the result of AI deployments; only about one-third have seen any tangible benefits from AI in the last 12 months."

""CEOs are forging ahead with investment in AI even though immediate returns are often elusive," PwC said in its report based on a survey of 4,450 CEOs across 95 countries and territories. AI is advancing at an unparalleled pace, causing "excitement and anxiety in equal measure," PwC noted. The majority (69%) of CEOs surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that their organizational culture and technical environment enable AI adoption, and 51% agreed or strongly agreed that they had a clearly-defined roadmap for AI initiatives."

"More than half (56%) of CEOs have not realized either revenue or cost benefits from AI. Roughly one-third (30%) have measured tangible revenue increases, and just one-quarter (26%) are seeing lower costs thanks to AI; Only 40% say their level of investment is sufficient to meet their AI goals; Just over half have formal responsible AI and risk processes; Only about 30% grant their main AI tool access to all their documents and data;"

A global CEO survey of 4,450 leaders across 95 countries found that most organizations are experimenting with AI but few are scaling deployments to deliver measurable returns. Only about one-third reported tangible revenue increases in the past 12 months, and roughly one-quarter reported cost reductions. Fifty-six percent reported no revenue or cost benefits. Sixty-nine percent said culture and technical environments enable adoption, while only 51% had clear AI roadmaps. Investment levels are considered sufficient by 40%. Around half have formal responsible-AI and risk processes. Only about 30% grant main AI tools full access to documents and data, and 42% feel able to attract high-quality AI talent.

Read at Computerworld