Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a strategic imperative. Yet, despite the hype, most AI projects fall short of delivering meaningful financial returns. According to IBM’s latest research, the average ROI on enterprise-wide AI initiatives is just 5.9%, well below the typical 10% cost of capital. However, companies that master six key capabilities report an impressive 13% ROI, proving that disciplined execution makes all the difference. Read on to learn more from Generating ROI with AI, a report from the IBM Institute for Business Value.

The AI Maturity Continuum 

IBM’s study, conducted in partnership with Oxford Economics, surveyed 2,500 executives across 16 countries. It revealed that organizations progress through a continuum of AI maturity—from ad hoc deployments to strategic integration. The more embedded and aligned AI is with business strategy, the higher the ROI. 

Six Capabilities That Separate Leaders from Laggards

 

Vision and Strategy 

• Successful companies don’t apply AI indiscriminately. They align AI initiatives with strategic goals, identifying high-value use cases and integrating AI into long-term planning. 
• Organizations that treat AI as a strategic priority achieve nearly twice the ROI compared to those that don’t. 

 

Operating Model 

• Moving beyond the “science fair” mentality, top performers embed AI into their organizational fabric. 
• Clear governance, ethical principles, and structured MVP development processes help ensure AI projects deliver real business value. 

 

AI Engineering and Operations 

• Agile DevOps, automated IT operations, and MLOps converge into AIOps, enabling scalable and efficient AI deployment. 
• Companies that standardize engineering practices and monitor AI performance see up to 2.6x higher ROI. 

 

Data and Technology 

• High-quality, trusted data is foundational. But it’s not just about having data—it’s about how it’s governed, curated, and applied. 
• “Data wealth outperformers” achieve significantly better outcomes, with 77% reporting effective AI projects. 

 

Talent and Skills 

• AI success hinges on skilled teams. Organizations that invest in training, ethics education, and low-code tools empower employees and boost adoption. 
• CHROs are increasingly prioritizing reskilling, with plans to retrain workers who interact with AI jumping from 41% in 2018 to 70% in 2021. 

 

Culture and Adoption 

• Trust is the cornerstone of AI adoption. Companies that foster a human-centered approach and embrace change management outperform their peers. 
• Standardized methodologies and executive sponsorship are key to embedding AI into the company’s DNA. 

 

Trust: The Unifying Thread 

Across all six capabilities, trust emerges as the central theme. Whether it’s ethical data use, transparent AI systems, or inclusive governance, trust drives adoption and ROI. Yet, only 20% of organizations strongly agree that their actions match their stated AI ethics principles. 

 

Case Studies That Inspire 

• Boston Scientific saved $5 million by using open-source AI models to automate stent inspections—on a budget of just $50,000. 
• Bestseller, a fashion retailer, improved selling efficiency and reduced design samples by leveraging deep learning for demand forecasting. 
• IBM’s Chief Analytics Office generated $357 million in net benefits by strategically deploying AI across business units. 

 

AI’s promise is real—but only for those who build the right foundation. By maturing across six core capabilities and embedding trust at every level, organizations can move beyond hype and unlock transformative value. 

 

Ready to Turn AI into ROI? 

Looking for guidance on how to get AI to create ROI for your company? Book a meeting with the experts at Forthright Technology Partners. Our team can help you assess your AI maturity, identify high-impact use cases, and build the capabilities needed to unlock real business value. Let’s turn your AI ambitions into measurable outcomes. 

 

Not Sure if Your Business is Ready for AI?

Take our AI Readiness Assessment to see where your company is at!

 

Source:

Generating ROI with AI: Six capabilities that drive world-class results by Maryam Ashoori, Brian Goehring, Timothy Humphrey, Mahmoud Naghshineh, and Cathy Rodenbeck Reese for IBM Institute for Business Value. 

 

Want to read the complete IBM report? Click here to download a PDF version: Generating ROI with AI from the IBM Institute for Business Value