Most AI-investing executives skip the training and oversight that makes AI work
Eighty-eight percent of business leaders see artificial intelligence as a competitive advantage. Yet only 4% say their organisations have achieved repeatable, scalable business value from it. A new survey of 639 executives across five major cities reveals why: most companies back AI ambition with inadequate investment in workforce skills and governance.
The gap between commitment and spending is stark. While 88% of executives believe in AI's potential, only 38% report sufficient budgets for AI training. This mismatch explains why so few organisations deliver measurable returns.
Training reaches a fraction of the workforce
Almost all executives (99%) claim their companies are building AI skills. In practice, most rely on informal methods: mentorship (54%) and self-directed learning (52%). Structured programmes and external partnerships account for just 16% and 21% respectively.
Where training does exist, it rarely scales. Nearly half of executives say their training reaches less than 10% of employees.
Critical skills gaps persist across the board
Cybersecurity illustrates the problem. Ninety-six percent of executives say cybersecurity is essential for AI deployment, but only 20% believe their workforce is proficient in it. Similar shortfalls exist in data privacy and bias detection.
As AI automates routine work, organisations need employees who can think critically and creatively. Only about one-third of executives believe their workforce excels in these areas.
Governance remains largely absent
Most organisations acknowledge the importance of responsible AI. Only 8% have enforceable governance frameworks in place. In small firms, the figure drops to 2%.
Internal resistance compounds the problem. While 60% of executives report strong leadership alignment on AI talent strategy, one in three cite employee and middle-management resistance to change as a key barrier to implementation.
The research comes from Economist Impact and Kyocera Document Solutions.
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