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NTT DATA Business Solutions

2026 Global AI report: a playbook for AI leaders

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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 35 markets and 15 industries during September and October 2025

 

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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
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Thank you for your interest in our report. Simply fill in the form to download the 2026 Global AI report. 

NTT DATA 2026 Global AI Report - AI Leaders Playbook - Copy

 

 
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