In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a cornerstone of digital transformation, EPAM Systems has released a new report titled “From Hype to Impact: How Enterprises Can Unlock Real Business Value with AI.” Based on insights from an extensive survey of over 7,300 participants across various industries and countries, the report sheds light on the current state of AI adoption in businesses and the significant challenges companies face in fully realizing the potential of AI.
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The Gap Between Perception and Reality
One of the key findings of EPAM’s study is the notable discrepancy between how businesses perceive their AI capabilities and the reality of their AI implementation. In the survey, nearly 50% of the respondents claimed that their companies were advanced in AI adoption. However, only 26% of those companies, which were considered “advanced” or “disruptive,” had successfully deployed AI use cases at scale.
Elaina Shekhter, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at EPAM, explained that many organizations have focused on quick wins with AI, such as improving productivity and operational efficiency. However, the real transformation comes from strategically identifying high-value AI use cases that can have a broad organizational impact. Shekhter stressed that companies that successfully combine talent, data, and technology around these high-priority use cases will be the ones to unlock substantial business value from AI investments by 2025.
Key Findings from the EPAM Report
1. Increased Investment in AI
According to the EPAM study, businesses are increasingly recognizing the potential of AI. In fact, companies are planning to boost their AI spending by 14% in 2025. This shows a continued commitment to AI-driven growth, with AI becoming an integral part of many companies’ long-term strategies.
2. Challenges in Scaling AI
While many companies have embarked on AI experimentation, a significant challenge remains: scaling AI solutions. Despite the advancements in technology, only 30% of technologically advanced organizations have been able to deploy AI at scale. This difficulty in transitioning from pilot projects to full-scale adoption represents a major barrier to AI’s widespread impact.
3. Financial Impact of AI
For businesses that have successfully integrated AI at scale, the financial impact is evident. Disruptive companies attribute 53% of their projected profits in 2025 to AI investments. This highlights the potential for AI to drive substantial revenue growth and competitive advantage when leveraged strategically.
4. Governance and Security Challenges
AI governance and security are lagging behind the rapid pace of AI adoption. The study reveals that it will take at least 18 months for companies to implement effective governance models that align with the ever-evolving regulatory landscape. Additionally, securing data and ensuring cloud security remain top priorities for companies adopting AI, with 35% of businesses citing the lack of advanced security programs as a significant challenge.
5. Focus on AI Talent Recruitment
As the demand for AI expertise continues to grow, 43% of businesses surveyed plan to hire AI specialists in 2025. There is a particularly strong demand for machine learning engineers and AI researchers. This emphasis on recruiting top-tier AI talent is seen as a crucial step in overcoming the barriers to successful AI implementation.
The Essential Elements for Successful AI Adoption
EPAM’s report outlines four key areas where companies need to focus to achieve successful AI adoption:
People, Processes, and Culture
Strong executive leadership is essential for defining clear priorities and ensuring the effective implementation of AI. Companies that are considered disruptive understand the need for specific skill sets to drive AI adoption, with 65% of such organizations recognizing the importance of having the right expertise in place.
Modernizing Technology and Business
Outdated technology is one of the most significant hurdles to AI adoption, with 31% of leaders identifying this as a major obstacle. However, the true challenge lies in aligning technology teams with business goals. Once a clear organizational objective is established, teams can focus on creating a strategy for modernization that supports AI integration.
Security as a Top Priority
As businesses modernize their operations, security remains a universal concern. Protecting data, ensuring data quality, and safeguarding cloud systems are all critical for AI’s success. 35% of companies report that their biggest challenge in modernizing technology is the lack of advanced security programs.
AI Governance and Responsibility
AI governance is another significant area where businesses face challenges. While 75% of companies that consider themselves advanced in AI adoption claim to have a clear AI strategy, only 4% of disruptive companies have developed comprehensive governance frameworks. Implementing effective AI governance can take an average of 18 months, highlighting the complexity of aligning AI with an evolving regulatory environment.
The Road Ahead for AI in Business
As we look towards 2025, the report from EPAM concludes that the future of AI adoption in business will not only depend on experimenting with AI for productivity gains but also on deploying AI at scale with a strategic focus on high-impact use cases. Leading companies will use AI to drive growth and improve customer experience across their entire value chain.
Nir Kaldero, Chief AI Officer at EPAM NEORIS, commented that the next phase of AI is about scaling up, focusing on impactful use cases, and aligning organizational culture, data, and new processes to unlock exponential business value. Kaldero emphasized that companies should not only view AI as a tool but as a critical enabler of broader business transformation.
Conclusion
The findings from EPAM’s research offer a roadmap for businesses looking to harness the full potential of AI. By focusing on the right talent, processes, governance models, and security frameworks, businesses can overcome the key barriers to AI adoption and unlock significant value. The full report provides detailed insights and actionable recommendations for companies at all stages of their AI journey.
This article is orignally published on: prnewswire
