Corporate AI investment grows despite declining preparedness for risks

A new report covering 3,700 senior executives across 21 countries reveals a significant gap in corporate strategy regarding artificial intelligence (AI). As of November 2026, 64% of executives report positive returns on their AI investments, marking a 10 percentage point increase compared to 2025. This indicates a growing realization of the technology's potential to add real value to business operations.

Despite these gains, the average organizational readiness to handle external risks has dropped by seven percentage points, falling to just 24%. The most substantial declines were recorded in preparedness against cyber threats and shifts in the competitive landscape. AI is identified as the primary driver of these pressures, as it fundamentally alters business models and existing technological infrastructures. Executives admit that while they are aggressively pursuing AI adoption, they feel increasingly ill-equipped to manage the profound systemic consequences and operational requirements of an AI-centric economy.