AI ROI Is Rising, but Not Where Companies Expected
CIO Dive, Wednesday, July 15th, 2026
AI is delivering insights and better customer interactions rather than the cost savings enterprises anticipated.
An SAP study of 2,600 executives found AI satisfaction rose to 69%, yet enterprises still struggle to define and measure returns.
Organizations found AI performs best at generating insights and improving customer interactions rather than cutting expenses or lifting productivity.
The average U.S. company invested $37.2 million in AI this year and expects to raise spending 46% over the next two years.
Governance gaps, data quality issues and skills shortages remain the biggest obstacles to stronger returns. Leaders emphasize that board-level AI literacy and resource allocation focused on measurable outcomes are prerequisites for value.