Half of orgs have yet to achieve AI adoption benefits, survey finds.

The AI Pulse Survey by Protiviti found that over 50% of organizations have not fully benefited from AI adoption. The survey segmented respondents by AI maturity, with 19% in the "Initial" stage and 32% in the "Experimentation" stage. The study also identified a high correlation between AI program maturity and recognized benefits.

The AI Pulse Survey conducted by Protiviti has revealed that over half of organizations have yet to fully realize the benefits of AI adoption. The survey, which segmented respondents based on AI maturity levels, provides valuable insights into the correlation between AI program maturity and recognized benefits.

According to the survey, 19% of organizations are in the "Initial" stage, where they recognize AI's potential but have limited understanding and no strategic initiatives. Another 32% are in the "Experimentation" stage, having initiated small-scale AI projects to assess feasibility and benefits. As organizations advance through these stages, they begin to see quantifiable returns on investment (ROI).

The study found a clear link between AI maturity and ROI satisfaction. At the "Defined" stage (21%), 77% of respondents reported that returns met, slightly exceeded, or significantly exceeded expectations. By the "Transformation" stage (8%), 95% of organizations reported high satisfaction with their AI investments, with 75% saying AI exceeded ROI expectations.

However, organizations across all maturity levels face barriers that can slow or stall AI progress. The most cited challenges include integration with existing systems, lack of understanding of impactful use cases, lack of skilled resources, data availability, and regulatory guidance. As organizations progress, their top challenges shift, with data access issues becoming more prominent in later maturity stages.

The survey also underscores the importance of redefining AI success across the organization. Different roles and departments prioritize different success metrics, with sales focusing on cost savings and customer satisfaction, compliance leaders emphasizing employee satisfaction and productivity, and finance teams valuing process efficiency and cost savings.

To progress through the AI maturity stages and capture the most value, organizations need to build momentum and experience with AI. This requires a systematic approach to enhancing AI capabilities, improving data infrastructure, and investing in AI talent. Protiviti's AI Studio in Chicago serves as a collaborative launchpad for organizations to explore use cases, test emerging technologies, and gain hands-on experience in AI implementation.

References:
[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ai-maturity-emerges-as-key-driver-of-roi-new-protiviti-study-finds-302505089.html
[2] https://www.protiviti.com/us-en/survey/ai-pulse