Companies Leading in Efficiency with AI

IBM's new research has revealed that businesses across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) have experienced significant productivity gains through the use of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the survey, 66% of participating executives reported that their organizations achieved notable operational efficiency improvements with AI.

Additionally, 41% of participants indicated they expect to see a return on investment (ROI) from AI investments within 12 months. This rate is particularly high among large enterprises (72%), compared to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at 55%. It appears that SMEs are benefiting less from the efficiency gains provided by AI.

The survey includes the opinions of 3,500 senior executives. Approximately 20% of respondents expressed that they have seen returns from AI-focused efficiency initiatives, while 42% expect to achieve returns within 12 months. The most anticipated areas for return include cost reduction (41%), time savings (45%), revenue increase (37%), and employee satisfaction (42%).

Increased Efficiency Expected

According to the research, with the introduction of AI agents, 92% of leaders believe that this technology will provide measurable returns within two years. The areas where AI applications have produced the highest efficiency gains are software development and IT (32%), customer service (32%), and procurement (27%).

Executives define the primary benefits of increased efficiency as higher operational efficiency (55%), improved decision-making processes (50%), and automation of repetitive tasks (48%).

Transformation of Business Models by AI

Data from EMEA indicates that leaders are increasingly leveraging AI to drive strategic business transformation. Among those reporting productivity gains, 66% stated that AI has fundamentally changed their business models. Approximately one-third of participants aim to accelerate innovation processes using AI (36%), transition to continuous AI-supported decision-making processes (32%), and redesign value streams around AI (32%).

Furthermore, according to the survey results, 48% of the questioned senior executives stated that AI enhances the capabilities of the workforce. Thanks to productivity gains, executives reported that employees are spending more time developing new ideas (38%), engaging in strategic decision-making and planning (36%), and participating in creative work (33%).

Open Systems, Collaboration, and Preference

The study highlighted that transparency, collaboration, and preference are significant priorities for organizations of all types implementing AI. 85% of respondents emphasized the importance of ensuring transparency in AI systems and models, while 84% stressed the need for collaboration to achieve seamless integration between AI and IT systems.

Moreover, 68% of executives noted that the use of AI carries concerns related to security, privacy, and ethics, which pose obstacles to scaling successful AI pilot applications. Challenges also arise regarding the integration of existing systems with AI, including issues of IT complexity.

The research identified five priorities for business leaders to gain returns from AI: establishing an effective AI operating model; enhancing AI literacy and a culture of innovation; being comfortable with uncertainty and rapid change; understanding the risks associated with AI applications; and forming an “AI Governance Board” across the company to mitigate risks.