IBM has released its new report “AI in Action,” which examines the artificial intelligence (AI) strategies of leading companies in the sector. According to the study conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of IBM, 15% of the surveyed companies consider themselves “AI Leaders,” distinguished by their strategic approach to data management and a strong commitment to AI investments. The report provides insights into the practices that set these companies apart and have enabled them to maximize the value of AI in their operations.
Investment and Data Management: Keys to AI Leadership
Of the 2,000 companies from the United States, United Kingdom, India, Japan, and Germany that participated in the survey, only a minority have managed to leverage AI to drive growth and efficiency in their operations. This group of “AI Leaders” stands out primarily for two factors: an aggressive investment strategy and a strong focus on data management.
Seventy-one percent of AI Leaders described their organizations as “very aggressive” in investing in artificial intelligence, in contrast to just 19% of those categorized as “Learners,” meaning companies that are in the early stages of AI adoption. Additionally, 61% of AI Leaders expressed confidence in their ability to manage and access the data necessary to support their AI initiatives, compared to 11% of Learners.
Strategic Alignment and Customized AI Approach
IBM’s report also reveals that AI Leaders have achieved a stronger alignment between their executives and technology leadership. Seventy-two percent of these leaders indicated that their executive team is fully aligned with IT leaders regarding the maturation of AI in their organizations, compared to just 36% of Learners. This aligned approach has made it easier for leading companies to invest in specific AI use cases, such as customer experience, IT operations and automation, virtual assistants, and cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in the age of AI….
Another important characteristic is the ability to customize their AI applications. AI Leaders feel more confident in tailoring their AI strategies to their business needs. In this regard, 72% of Leaders expressed confidence in their ability to customize their AI efforts, while only 33% of Learners shared this perspective. Practically speaking, 61% of Leaders indicated that they use APIs to develop customized solutions, compared to 28% of Learners.
Impact on Business Outcomes
The success of AI Leaders is reflected not only in their practices and strategic approaches but also in the concrete results they have achieved. According to the report, two-thirds of the leading AI companies experienced a revenue increase of at least 25% following the implementation of these technologies, highlighting the positive impact of AI on profitability and business growth.
For Shobhit Varshney, IBM Vice President and AI Leader for the Americas, the report provides “an in-depth look at how leading organizations have implemented AI in ways that others can learn from their success.” Varshney emphasizes that differentiation is not solely in technology but in how companies integrate AI into their key processes and align their strategic objectives.
A Long Journey for AI “Learners”
The majority of surveyed companies classified as Learners face challenges in effectively adopting and leveraging AI. A lack of strategic alignment and inadequate data management appear to be the main obstacles. According to IBM, improving in these areas will be essential for these Learners to progress and eventually join the ranks of AI Leaders.
The report also indicates that for many companies, developing a strong data management infrastructure and training in AI for decision-making are essential steps to maximize the return on their investments in artificial intelligence.
Outlooks and Resources for Growing Companies
With the launch of the “AI in Action” report, IBM provides companies with a detailed analysis of how to build and solidify their AI strategy. Companies can access the full report and tools such as an online assessment to evaluate their level of AI maturity. With this initiative, IBM continues to support the digital transformation of organizations, providing the necessary backing for the development of advanced technological infrastructures.
This study underscores the transformative role of AI in key sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, and healthcare, offering companies a detailed roadmap on how to effectively implement artificial intelligence, helping them make informed decisions and remain competitive in an ever-changing digital environment.
More information: IBM in Action