AI Investment Surges Among Tech Leaders, but Returns Remain Uneven

Technology leaders across the United States are preparing to commit $207 million toward artificial intelligence initiatives in the coming 12 months, a figure that represents a near doubling of their previous year's projections even amid recession concerns. KPMG surveyed more than 2,000 technology executives worldwide, including 237 from the U.S., to compile findings released this week.

As capital flows into AI infrastructure, much of the investment is directed toward deploying AI agents. Among survey participants, 57% anticipate that humans will remain the primary operators of these AI agents for the next two to three years.

While roughly two-thirds of respondents indicated they have achieved measurable returns from their AI strategies, a significant disparity exists between organizations still in early testing phases and those with fully operational AI agent systems. Skill shortages among employees, obstacles in expanding successful pilots, and apprehensions surrounding data protection and system security emerged as the primary impediments to realizing returns on AI investments.

Scaling Challenges and Organizational Readiness

As technology leaders allocate larger budgets toward AI, chief information officers are assessing what their experimental projects can realistically produce.

According to the survey, more than half of companies have begun incorporating AI agents into their regular business processes. These deployments serve multiple functions: facilitating the distribution of information throughout the organization, automating processes that span multiple departments, directing data or decisions to appropriate teams, and enhancing human decision-making capabilities.

The research indicates that numerous enterprises remain in exploratory stages with their AI initiatives. Organizations that have progressed to mature AI deployments with advanced agentic capabilities are the ones capturing the greatest value from their efforts.

Enterprises that are successfully extracting value from AI adoption are doing more than simply acquiring technology; they are simultaneously investing in their workforce, shifting organizational behaviors, and establishing trust mechanisms.

Investment in People and Governance

The survey revealed that 45% of executives are prepared to offer premium compensation for professionals with advanced AI expertise, and 66% indicated they are actively recruiting for positions specifically focused on artificial intelligence. Despite the growing prominence of AI agents, organizations continue to prioritize human competencies including analytical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and innovation.

Simply increasing spending on AI technology does not automatically generate greater enterprise value, according to Steve Chase, who leads global AI and digital innovation efforts at KPMG International.

Ultimately, there is no agentic future without trust and no trust without governance that keeps pace. The survey makes clear that sustained investment in people, training and change management is what allows organizations to scale AI responsibly and capture value.

Steve Chase, global head of AI and digital innovation at KPMG International