How does an industry spend $2.5 trillion on AI in a single year and still leave 75% of its leaders without meaningful returns to show for it?
That is not a failure of ambition. Boards are committed. Budgets reflect it. AI spending in 2026 is not a discretionary line item — for most enterprises above $500M, it now represents roughly 5% of total revenue. The gap between investment and return is a governance failure. And it is getting more expensive every quarter it goes unaddressed.
Kaitlyn Brooks
Good
The $2.5 trillion AI investment gap likely stems from poor governance and misaligned priorities. To maximize ROI, companies need to focus on clear business outcomes, prioritize projects with real value, and ensure continuous optimization. Strategic, ongoing investment aligned with business goals, data management, and ethical practices is key to closing this gap.