Only 13% of Businesses Are Successfully Scaling AI

While most global enterprises believe artificial intelligence (AI) will reshape their operations, few are prepared to make it happen. According to Kyndryl’s 2025 Readiness Report, which surveyed 3,700 senior executives across 21 countries, 87% of business leaders expect AI to transform roles and responsibilities within the next year, but only 13% of organizations — dubbed “pacesetters” — are effectively implementing it at scale. 

The report highlights a persistent “AI readiness gap” between enthusiasm and execution. Although 90% of respondents claim their organizations have the tools to test and scale new ideas, 57% admit innovation efforts are hampered by weak technology foundations. Meanwhile, 29% say their employees have sufficient AI-related skills and training, exposing a critical workforce preparedness issue. 

Despite these barriers, early adopters are seeing results. More than half of respondents (54%) reported measurable return on investment (ROI) from AI projects, though 62% acknowledged their initiatives remain in pilot stages. Kyndryl notes that businesses are still struggling to move from experimentation to operational transformation. 

Key insights from the report include: 

• Widespread optimism: Nearly nine in ten executives foresee AI-driven changes to organizational structures within 12 months. 

• Infrastructure challenges: Foundational IT issues are slowing innovation and scaling efforts. 

• Talent shortfall: Skills and training remain major roadblocks to AI adoption. 

• Emerging leaders: The top 13% — the “pacesetters” — combine clear AI vision with investment in infrastructure, adaptability, and employee readiness. 

Kyndryl CEO Martin Schroeter emphasized that “closing the readiness gap” is both a challenge and an opportunity for global enterprises aiming to realize AI’s full potential. As businesses race to deploy AI, those that align strong leadership, workforce upskilling, and robust data infrastructure are positioned to define the next wave of digital transformation. 

 

Source:  

https://www.zdnet.com/article/everyone-thinks-ai-will-transform-their-business-but-only-13-are-making-it-happen/