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Capgemini Research Institute has released two new reports: The multi-year AI advantage: Building the enterprise of tomorrow and a spotlight on How AI is quietly reshaping executive decisions. The research reveals a shift from AI hype to realism, with organizations increasing investments while focusing on long-term value creation, strong foundations, and responsible adoption. After years of experimentation, leaders are now emphasizing infrastructure, data, governance, workforce upskilling, and human-AI collaboration to deliver measurable business impact.
After an era of experimentation, business leaders are adopting a more deliberate, realistic approach to AI. The reports show that organizations are accelerating investments in high-impact areas while pausing lower-value projects. Priorities for 2026 center on building robust foundations: modern infrastructure, high-quality data, clear governance, and workforce upskilling.
“AI has now crossed a critical threshold: the question is no longer whether to pursue AI, but how to embed it into the fabric of the enterprise,” said Pascal Brier, Chief Innovation Officer at Capgemini and Member of the Group Executive Committee. “As we enter 2026, many organizations are rightly prioritizing strong AI foundations – data, governance, and human-AI chemistry – but one other area stands out as a critical factor in successful AI deployments – leadership readiness.”
The spotlight report on decision-making, based on a survey of 500 CXOs (including 100 CEOs), finds that over half are already using AI to support or inform strategic decisions—either actively or selectively. Within three years, this is expected to more than double. While current use focuses on emails, meeting notes, research, and analysis, leaders anticipate AI will increasingly augment and challenge strategic thinking.
Early adopters report reduced decision time and cost, along with improved creativity and foresight. However, only 1% believe AI could autonomously make certain strategic decisions in the next one to three years. CXOs express moderate trust (41% above-average) in AI for executive decisions, citing legal, security, and explainability concerns. Only 11% currently disclose or plan to disclose AI use in decisions, due to reputational risks if outcomes are unfavorable.
Two-thirds of CXOs say clearer governance and accountability frameworks would help them better leverage AI in decision-making. The research underscores that leadership vision and responsibility are critical for turning AI potential into durable, enterprise-wide value.
About Capgemini
Capgemini is an AI-powered global business and technology transformation partner, delivering tangible business value. We imagine the future of organizations and make it real with AI, technology and people. With our strong heritage of nearly 60 years, we are a responsible and diverse group of 420,000 team members in more than 50 countries. We deliver end-to-end services and solutions with our deep industry expertise and strong partner ecosystem, leveraging our capabilities across strategy, technology, design, engineering and business operations. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
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