Why Aren’t AI Investments Paying Off?
We surveyed 1,535 business leaders across six countries and five industries for our 2026 Artificial Intelligence Research. The Reckoning is the story of our findings, showing why so many AI investments have stalled and what the organizations getting real value did differently.
Complete the form to access your free report today.
Access The Reckoning Report
Aptean partnered with independent research firm Vanson Bourne to survey 1,535 business and IT leaders of manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers across multiple industries.
What Separates Success from Failure?
What separates the AI investments that deliver from the ones that don't? The findings point to a clear answer.
Say AI’s Value Hasn’t Been Realized
Adoption isn’t the problem, and most organizations already believe in AI. They just can’t yet prove it’s generating returns as expected.
Prefer Purpose-Built AI
Given the choice, businesses favor vertical AI, as general-purpose tools can’t keep up with the complexities of modern operations.
Believe Integration Is the Biggest Challenge
Respondents indicated that connecting AI with their core systems is more difficult than using the AI itself.
The Reality Behind the Headline Numbers
The Reckoning goes beyond simple statistics. Alongside the survey data, it draws on firsthand interviews with business leaders like you for a close look at where AI is working, where it's falling short and what it takes to see a real return on investment (ROI).
Inside, you'll find:
Why 82% of leaders say AI’s value is real but not yet realized
Why the AI tools most readily available often fail
The data and integration gaps still holding teams back
The eight metrics where industry-specific AI makes a meaningful difference
With 87% of organizations saying they risk becoming obsolete without AI, standing still isn't an option. The Reckoning shows you what's actually driving results, so you can move with confidence instead of guesswork.
Businesses using both industry-specific and general-purpose AI outperformed general-purpose-only users on all operational metrics measured. The three largest gaps were:
Additional AI Insights
If you’re looking for even more on enterprise AI, explore related insights from the Aptean blog—from deep dives on the different kinds of AI to the latest adoption trends and beyond.
Agentic AI vs. Generative AI: What Different Types of AI Mean for Your Business
Learn the difference between agentic, generative and predictive AI—and how to use them together to improve efficiency, forecasting and automation.
AI Enterprise Governance: Building Accountability, Trust and Control for AI at Scale
Explore the principles, risks and responsibilities behind AI enterprise governance, plus practical steps for implementing governance at scale.
The 2026 AI Business Trends You Need To Know
AI is moving from hype to execution. Explore the key AI business trends shaping 2026—and what leaders must do to stay ahead.
Eager to Dive In?
Learn why vertical AI makes the difference in achieving results.