AI's Promised ROI: Why 2026 Could Be the Year

Since the buzz created by ChatGPT's debut in late 2022, companies have been sinking significant resources into artificial intelligence. Yet, the return on this investment has been mostly elusive. Experts, however, suggest that a turning point may arrive in the next year.

An Unfulfilled Promise

While AI holds the potential for revolutionizing business efficiencies, as seen through smarter and more cost-effective models, it hasn't universally delivered. In 2024, global AI investment soared to $252.3 billion, with the U.S. contributing $109.1 billion. Still, a comprehensive survey in 2025 revealed a sobering reality: a vast 95% of businesses struggled to see substantial returns from their AI investments.

Dan Priest, PwC's US Chief AI Officer, pointed out how a minority of forerunners have turned AI into new income sources and innovative business modes, whereas the majority have achieved only modest benefits. Despite this, there's cautious optimism that AI could overcome its current hurdles in the coming year.

Rethinking ROI

Priest emphasizes the necessity for leaders to target their AI initiatives toward areas with the potential for significant business transformation. This sentiment was echoed by China Widener of Deloitte, who anticipates a shift from mere AI experimentation to actionable enterprise changes in 2026.

Widener predicts that the edge will belong to those who don't just adopt AI but purposefully integrate it, thus converting innovation into lasting business gains.

From Technology to Implementation

Experts argue that innovation lies less in AI itself and more in how leaders implement it. Enhancing everyday processes through AI agents, which can perform human-equivalent tasks while overcoming human limitations, stands as a promising avenue.

While theoretically compelling, the practical deployment of AI agents has been fraught with challenges. Data from Deloitte in 2025 showed that only 14% of surveyed firms had solutions ready for deployment, with operational integrations even less common. Despite predictions of cancellations, Gartner sees 2026 as the year to operationalize AI agents.

The Role of AI Agents

Although often lured by the promise of streamlined internal operations, AI agents could also redefine consumer interaction, especially through 'agentic commerce.' They might soon autonomously handle transactions, freeing users from routine tasks such as travel arrangements.

Ken Moore from Mastercard forecasts a melding of AI autonomy and consumer trust in 2026, with AI agents shifting from trial phases to widespread deployment in consumer settings.

Skill Development and Education

A significant hurdle in AI implementation is the education of the workforce. Forrester projects that one-third of large companies will mandate AI literacy training by 2026 to enhance adoption and mitigate risks. Currently, a mere fraction of AI budgets addresses training and cultural shifts, but better-trained employees are crucial for successful AI adoption.

Kim Herrington from Forrester warns that inadequate training could lead to flawed AI models perpetuating misinformation. Training helps staff understand AI's limitations and strengths, thereby boosting confidence in utilizing AI tools efficiently.

The Path Ahead

While 2026 holds promise for AI advancements, expectations should remain measured, as adoption won't be entirely smooth or fast. Priest notes that companies will gain clearer strategies and more robust oversight, setting the stage for transformative uses of AI compared to instances of experimentation in past years.

As more organizations set realistic goals and boundaries, AI integration will gradually shift from being a mere concept to becoming integral in business transformations.