New Delhi: NTT DATA has released its 2026 Global AI Report, outlining how a limited group of organisations are achieving clearer financial returns from AI deployments compared to the wider market. The study draws on responses from 2,567 senior executives across 35 countries and 15 industries, finding that only 15% of companies qualify as “AI leaders” based on strategy, operating models and execution maturity.
According to the findings, these companies are 2.5 times more likely to record revenue growth above 10% and over three times more likely to secure profit margins of at least 15% from AI-linked initiatives. The report positions these firms as moving ahead through early alignment between business strategy and AI investments, rather than treating AI as an isolated technology upgrade.
NTT DATA notes that companies with stronger returns tend to integrate AI into core systems rather than layering tools on top of existing processes. They also focus on a limited number of high-value domains, rebuilding workflows end-to-end to capture measurable efficiency and revenue outcomes. Researchers describe this approach as creating a “flywheel” effect, where early gains support further reinvestment.
Execution themes emerging from the report include modernising infrastructure to manage secure and scalable AI workloads, centralising governance, and relying on specialised talent. Respondents also pointed to growing organisational efforts to address change management and formal oversight, including the rise of Chief AI Officer roles. Firms reporting stronger outcomes also showed higher dependence on external strategic partners and outcome-based collaborations.
The report indicates a widening performance gap as companies recalibrate AI programs heading into 2026, with early movers beginning to convert pilots into sustained financial value while others remain in experimental stages.
Also Read: Tata, Intel Form Strategic Alliance to Build India-focused Silicon and Compute Ecosystem
