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This sentiment follows a year in which AI investments had already significantly increased in pace. Just three years ago about half of senior leaders said their organization spent less than 5% of its total budget on AI investments. In contrast, today, 88% of those same leaders spend 5% or more of their total budget on AI. It’s a number that is set to grow even higher, as half of senior leaders said they would dedicate 25% or more of their total budget toward AI investments in the coming year.
At the same time, those already doubling down on investments are seeing the impact. While nearly all are investing in AI, our findings indicate a divergence between companies experimenting in small ways and those making larger investments. Senior leaders whose organizations are investing in AI and whose current budget for AI investments is 5% or more of their total budget saw higher rates of positive return across dimensions surveyed, compared with those who spend less than 5%.
However, despite the forecast investment boom, our findings also indicate that many leaders are ignoring the foundational functions AI needs in order to thrive. Successful AI adoption demands more than just technological integration; it’s about adapting to a new paradigm whereby AI reshapes every aspect of the enterprise. From building a scalable data infrastructure to fostering a workforce fluent in emerging technologies, the research emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to AI adoption. As we stand on the cusp of an AI-driven era, the message is clear: Those who invest wisely in AI today will be the industry trailblazers of tomorrow.