Up to 4X ROI on AI within 12 months
Up to 4X ROI on AI within 12 months
Desire to get to AI value fast
Mid-market leaders are counting on value from AI. Most will make it a top priority for 2025, moving to production while pumping up budgets. But the AI value equation is being figured out—44% are stuck in proof-of-concept and 48% are still crafting the business case. Our insights point to a gap between ROI expectation and the realities of AI.
84% say AI investment aims to replace employees
84% say AI investment aims to replace employees
AI ROI hinges on productivity and efficiency
ROI expectations are laser focused on headcount savings and productivity. 84% believe that AI investments aim to replace employees for cost savings and 69% use productivity gains as the primary value driver. Yet at the same time, decision makers call out their top priority is using tools like Copilot to create new revenue. Our research explores how AI value hangs in the balance between topline growth and bottom-line efficiency gains.
85% fear falling behind with AI
85% fear falling behind with AI
Moving fast while tackling AI foundations
Decision makers want to move fast with AI and 85% fear they’ll fall behind if they delay. But many lack a cohesive roadmap and are scattering ‘a little bit of AI’ into many places. Our research highlights a tension between a need for speed and the careful deliberation needed for the long run. We reveal how fundamental people, data and tech considerations risk stalling AI acceleration.
47% of industries focus on productivity from AI
47% of industries focus on productivity from AI
Energy and CPG excel in AI-driven productivity
47% of industries aiming for productivity gains from AI, sector-specific trends emerge:
- CPG and Energy: 53% focus on productivity improvements
- Retail: 27% prioritize customer experience
- Health: 18% target employee experience
- Government: 17% highlight cost savings
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Mid-market insights
Get the inside track on expectations for AI value in 2025. Extensive insights and practical guidance built exclusively for leaders in mid-market organizations.
Industry insights
AI is reshaping banking, health and life sciences, manufacturing, government, retail and consumer goods. Discover how these sectors are achieving real value with AI.
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