Key Takeaway
Research shows that 60% of leaders feel heightened pressure to deliver ROI from AI this year, with cybersecurity being the main focus for AI implementation. A gap remains between perception and capability; while 90% of leaders view their IT infrastructure as top-tier, only 39% believe it can handle future disruptions. Although 90% feel their tools support rapid innovation, over half see their technology stack as a barrier. Additionally, due to geopolitical and regulatory pressures, 75% of leaders are concerned about global data management risks, prompting 65% to adjust their cloud strategies, including data repatriation and a shift towards private cloud models.
The research shows that three out of five leaders feel heightened pressure this year to deliver ROI from AI compared to last year. Cybersecurity stands out as the main use case for AI implementation among the surveyed organizations.
The disconnect between perception and capability continues, as highlighted in Kyndryl’s 2024 findings. Last year, 90% of business leaders viewed their IT infrastructure as best-in-class, while only 39% felt it was equipped to handle future disruptions. This year’s data reveals that 90% believe their tools and processes allow them to rapidly test and scale new ideas; however, more than half see their technology stack as a barrier to innovation.
Cloud strategies evolve as geopolitical and regulatory pressures increase
Organizations are reassessing their cloud infrastructure in light of regulatory changes and data sovereignty issues. Three out of four leaders express concerns about geopolitical risks tied to storing and managing data in global cloud environments. In response, 65% have adjusted their cloud strategies by investing in data repatriation, reassessing vendors, and shifting towards private cloud models.
