KPMG warns of gaps between AI ambition and returns

Scaling AI continues to challenge organisations globally.
Global executives accelerate AI adoption amid rising expectations.

KPMG’s Global Tech Report 2026 shows organisations worldwide accelerating efforts to embed AI into core operations. Nearly 68% aim to reach the highest level of AI maturity by the end of 2026, compared with 24% today.

The report highlights a strong shift towards agentic AI, with 88% of organisations investing in autonomous systems to improve decision-making. Global executives increasingly see AI as a strategic necessity rather than an experimental technology.

Despite growing adoption, execution remains uneven across regions. While 74% report measurable business value from AI, only 24% achieve consistent returns across multiple use cases, underlining the challenge of scaling initiatives worldwide.

Talent and partnerships emerge as decisive factors globally. Organisations expect human expertise to remain critical, with many investing in skills, collaboration and adaptive teams to navigate the Intelligence Age.

Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!