CGI released findings from its 2026 Voice of Our Clients research on June 18, revealing that C-suite AI ambition is outpacing enterprise readiness. The study draws on in-depth interviews with more than 1,800 business and technology executives, the majority at the C-level, and uncovers a widening gap between rapid AI adoption and the foundational systems required to support it.
Generative AI implementation has climbed 30 percentage points over the past two years. Sixty-two percent of organizations now apply AI to core business and operational processes. Yet only 40% have an enterprise AI strategy, and a slim 20% extend that strategy across their broader ecosystem. Just 51% quantify the results of their AI adoption, underscoring a measurement deficit.
The readiness gap
Seventy percent of executives cite technology and digital acceleration as the most impactful macro trend. Geopolitical complexity and supply chain reconfiguration are the fastest-growing concerns. At the same time, 52% are prioritizing data sovereignty and local cloud strategies, but only 25% rate their current operating models as highly agile. That mismatch puts pressure on organizations to build more adaptive and resilient structures before AI can deliver consistent value.
Legacy systems remain a significant obstacle. Forty-five percent of executives say those systems seriously challenge their data and AI strategies. Without modernized digital engineering, applying AI to fragmented data and outdated processes often increases complexity rather than producing measurable outcomes.
Talent shortages constrain execution
Cost pressure is the top constraint. Nearly 70% of executives report difficulty recruiting IT talent, and 52% say those shortages materially affect program delivery and execution capacity. The findings point to a talent pipeline that cannot keep pace with AI expansion.
As a response, C-suite leaders are shifting toward substantial and selective managed services models. The goal is to strengthen delivery capacity and support scalable AI-driven transformation without overextending internal teams. Consolidating around fewer, trusted partners that combine business consulting, systems integration, and digital reengineering is an emerging priority.
Quotes from the research
"Executives are navigating an environment defined by rising complexity, from regulatory pressures to fragmented systems, while still being expected to deliver measurable outcomes," said Tim Hurlebaus, CGI President and CEO. "Our 2026 Voice of Our Clients insights show a clear evolution toward digital engineering and reengineering initiatives, as organizations build new capabilities and modernize legacy environments to scale AI and achieve their digital transformation outcomes."
Dave Henderson, CGI's Chief Technology Officer, emphasized that the priority has shifted from experimentation to execution. "With AI adoption accelerating, the priority is now execution and value realization," he said. "The opportunity lies in helping organizations move beyond isolated AI use cases toward embedding AI into complex enterprise environments to deliver tangible results and sustainable competitive advantage."
For additional data, view the full CGI Voice of Our Clients research.
Why this matters for executives and strategy
The research confirms that AI ambition without operational readiness leads to stalled initiatives and unmeasured returns. Leaders who tie AI strategy directly to digital reengineering of core systems, data governance, and talent pipelines will close the gap faster. Programs that build C-suite capability are becoming a practical lever - resources such as AI for Executives & Strategy help leaders benchmark their readiness, and structured development like the AI Learning Path for CEOs equips executives to turn ambition into measured business outcomes.
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