IBM Study Suggests AI Investments Don't Always Guarantee ROI

A recent survey conducted among 2,000 executives from 33 countries and 24 industries reveals that investing in Artificial Intelligence (AI) projects does not systematically guarantee a return on investment. The study provides a first assessment of AI usage and its development prospects.

Disappointing ROI and Deployment Rates

Only 25% of AI-related projects have achieved their expected return on investment in recent years. Moreover, only 16% of these projects have been deployed across the entire organization. The study highlights a trend towards accelerated implementation of AI solutions, sometimes without fully understanding the technical and organizational implications.

Fear of Technological Lag

This haste can be largely explained by the fear of being left behind technologically. Thus, 64% of executives surveyed admit that the fear of being outpaced by their competitors drives them to invest in technologies before fully mastering their benefits. However, only 37% believe it is better to act quickly rather than adopting a more cautious approach.

Strong Interest in AI Despite Challenges

Despite the mixed results, interest in AI remains strong. Nearly 61% of respondents indicate they are preparing to develop large-scale AI agents over the next two years. However, this ambition is tempered by pragmatic considerations: 65% of executives closely monitor profitability indicators before deciding to continue or increase their investments.

Human Aspect Remains Key

The human aspect remains a crucial factor in companies' strategies regarding AI. For 69% of executives, the ability to manage complex situations and make strategic decisions remains a key human skill. In this perspective, about a third of respondents believe their workforce will need to be trained or requalified within three years to the changes induced by AI.

**Rapid Evolution of Job Requirements

Finally, the study reveals that 54% of companies are currently hiring for AI-related positions that did not exist last year, illustrating the rapid evolution of skill requirements in a rapidly transforming labor market.