Recent research from IBM reveals that artificial intelligence (AI) is set to become a major driver of business growth over the next decade. Executives worldwide are shifting their focus from using AI solely for efficiency to leveraging it as a tool for innovation. By 2030, AI is expected to play a crucial role in creating new revenue streams and competitive advantages for organizations willing to adapt.

AI Investment and Shifting Priorities

According to the IBM study, nearly 80% of surveyed executives believe AI will significantly contribute to their company’s revenue by 2030, a sharp increase from 40% today. Even with this optimism, only a quarter of them have a clear idea of where that new revenue will come from. Despite the uncertainty, organizations are ramping up their AI investments, predicting a 150% increase by 2030.

Interestingly, most companies are beginning to see AI as more than just a tool for making existing processes more efficient. About 62% of AI spending is expected to be dedicated to innovation by the end of the decade. Leaders recognize that future competitive edges will come from bold moves into new AI-driven products and services, not just optimizing current operations.

The Role of Technology and Skills in Future AI Success

While many executives believe that having advanced AI models will be key to staying ahead, only a small percentage feel they have a clear plan for the specific models they’ll need in 2030. Most anticipate that AI capabilities will be multi-model, combining different approaches like smaller language models and foundation models, which are expected to outperform larger, more traditional models.

Organizations that are actively scaling AI across various workflows and using smaller, customized models report higher productivity gains and better profit margins. However, a gap remains: while over half of respondents think quantum computing will revolutionize their industries by 2030, only a minority expect to be using quantum technology by then. This presents an opportunity for early adopters to get ahead.

Overall, the study underscores that future growth will depend on making strategic AI investments today. Companies that can navigate the challenges of integration, develop the right skills, and choose the right technologies will be best positioned to lead in the AI-driven economy.

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• https://ai-techpark.com/ibm-study-ai-poised-to-drive-smarter-business-growth-through-2030/