A new era of AI leadership
In 2025, a clear theme emerged from our global AI research: “Playtime is over.” Organizations were moving away from AI experimentation to practical application, with clear business outcomes.
This year’s global research findings reveal that AI-driven transformation is reshaping business models, redefining the workforce and fueling growth. In short: Your AI strategy is your business strategy.
The 2026 Global AI Report: A Playbook for AI Leaders is the first in a series of content based on our global research*. It provides a roadmap for accelerating toward an AI-native state by embedding AI into the organization’s strategy, operations and culture.
Discover how some global executives are outpacing others in growth, margin and innovation. Complete the form to access your download.
* Research data is sourced from 2,567 C-suite and other senior leaders across 34 markets and 15 industries during September and October 2025
FAQ
What is NTT DATA’s global AI research?
A primary research survey conducted independently for NTT DATA late in 2025 that captures an array of experiences and expectations of global decision-makers. It explores the adoption and impact of AI in general, as well as GenAI and agentic AI, and provides insights into how organizations are transforming operations with these technologies. Most respondents represent large enterprises (84% have over 10,000 employees).
Who is leading in AI?
Based on the research findings, the cohort of AI leaders is mature in their AI adoption (core and non-core implementations), have a well-defined strategy fully aligned between AI and business and are realizing strong ROI from AI.They are nearly 2.5 times more likely than other organizations to post revenue growth of more than 10% and 3.6 times more likely to run at margins of 15% or more.
Who should read this playbook?
This playbook is relevant to C-suite leaders, business and IT executives, AI practitioners, IT strategists, HR and workforce planners, and anyone shaping the future of enterprise operations and work. The insights derived from our global research reveal successful tactics for accelerating AI adoption and driving measurable business outcomes—insights you can use to inform your AI and business strategies, benchmark your organization, and guide operations and workforce planning in your industry.
Key findings
AI leaders are growth and margin outliers. They:
- Focus on strategic alignment and speed
- Focus on high-value, growth-oriented use cases, with an end-to-end approach
- Embrace the flywheel effect, a repetitive cycle where impact ignites further investment
- Rebuild core applications with embedded AI and combine plug-and-play solutions with bespoke innovations
- Invest in scalable, secure and private or sovereign AI
- Augment their expert employees rather than replace them
- Emphasize change management to make adoption stick
- Centralize and formalize governance with dedicated Chief AI Officers (CAIOs)
- Innovate with partners to accelerate AI value and share the revenue upside
Key traits of AI leaders
more likely than others to post ˃10% revenue growth
more likely to run at ≥15% margins
have a dedicated Chief AI Officer and formal AI governance
Benchmark your progress against your industry and region
The 2026 Global AI Report: A Playbook for AI Leaders draws on insights from 2,567 senior executives across 34 countries and 15 industries, including technology, manufacturing, banking, healthcare and more. Regional highlights and industry-specific findings help you benchmark your organization’s AI maturity and identify actionable opportunities in your market.
Once AI and business strategies are aligned, the single most effective move is to pick one or two domains that deliver disproportionate value and redesign them end-to-end with AI. ”
Additional insights for business leaders
AI as a boardroom imperative
AI is no longer a side project. Leading organizations treat AI as a business accelerator, embedding it into strategy and operations for measurable impact.
The flywheel effect
Positive results from AI investments compound, creating a cycle in which impact drives further investment and innovation.
Governance and change management
Leaders formalize AI governance with steering committees and CAIOs for ethical, scalable adoption.
Competitive differentiation
Security, privacy and responsible innovation set AI leaders apart in a crowded market.
Industry benchmarks
Compare your sector’s AI maturity and adoption rate with global leaders.
Actionable recommendations
Download the report for practical steps to accelerate your organization’s AI journey.
Additional insights for AI practitioners
End-to-end automation
AI leaders automate core workflows to deliver business value faster, focusing on both front- and back-office processes.
Co-innovation and partnerships
High-performing organizations rebuild core applications with embedded AI and co-innovate with partners to create tailored solutions.
Technical excellence
Leaders invest in scalable, secure and sovereign AI platforms, addressing infrastructure bottlenecks and data privacy across geographies.
Augmentation, not replacement
The primary workforce goal is to empower skilled employees with AI tools, enabling them to focus on higher-value work.
Get your copy of the 2026 Global AI Report: A Playbook for AI Leaders
Ready to accelerate your journey to an AI-native state? Get your copy of the playbook and discover how to turn AI strategy into business strategy for growth and innovation.
