AI Disappoints CEO Expectations So Far: Discrepancy Between Investments and Measurable Results

Summary

A global survey by consulting firm PwC of over 4,400 CEOs reveals a significant discrepancy between high expectations and sobering reality in the deployment of artificial intelligence in businesses. In Germany, only 11 percent of surveyed executives report higher revenues due to AI, compared to 29 percent globally. Particularly noteworthy: only two percent of German companies achieved simultaneous revenue growth and cost savings through AI deployment. The results illustrate that missing data foundations, strategic planning, and corporate culture represent central obstacles to successful AI implementation.

People

• Petra Justenhoven
• Axel Kannenberg
• Nico Reichen

Topics

• AI adoption in enterprises
• Measurable ROI of Artificial Intelligence
• Data foundation and strategic basics
• Corporate culture and talent acquisition
• Digital transformation
• Competitiveness through AI

Detailed Summary

The 29th Global CEO Survey by consulting firm PwC reveals sobering results regarding the practical implementation of artificial intelligence in businesses worldwide. The study is based on surveys of over 4,400 CEOs from 95 countries and shows a consistent picture: while massive investments in AI infrastructure are being made, measurable business results remain largely absent.

The balance sheet is particularly poor in Germany. Only 11 percent of surveyed executives report higher revenues due to AI deployment, compared to 29 percent globally. The picture is similar for cost savings: 16 percent of German CEOs report decreased costs, compared to 26 percent worldwide. It becomes even more dramatic when considering simultaneous successes in both areas – only two percent of German companies managed to increase revenues while also reducing costs through AI. Globally, this share is 12 percent.

The majority of surveyed executives draw a negative conclusion: worldwide, 56 percent of CEOs see no better business results from their AI investments. In Germany, skepticism is even greater – two-thirds of respondents report no measurable success from their AI foundations and pilot projects.

Petra Justenhoven, PwC's Germany chief, comments on these results clearly: "The results on AI adoption show a discrepancy between high expectations and a sobering reality. We see great willingness to invest in AI – but only a small minority of companies achieves measurable results with it." She criticizes in particular companies' lack of ability to differentiate themselves from competitors through AI and to develop new revenue sources.

These findings are confirmed by a parallel study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group. In it, 60 percent of approximately 1,250 surveyed companies admitted to achieving practically no material value from their substantial AI investments. Another 35 percent recorded some progress but admitted to not advancing quickly enough. Only five percent of the examined companies achieve AI value at scale.

PwC consultant Nico Reichen explains the reasons for this discrepancy: AI is "not a magic bullet." Without a reliable data foundation and scalable technical infrastructure, AI initiatives remain superficial and ineffective. According to their view, companies must first "do their homework" – that is, create fundamental structural and organizational prerequisites. Otherwise, AI acts as an amplifier of existing problems rather than as a strategic lever.

In addition to technological aspects, the following factors are decisive for successful AI implementation according to PwC's analysis: reliable data provision, realistic development planning, sufficient financial resources, an AI-friendly corporate culture, and active talent acquisition in the AI field. The lack of networking of these factors leads to failed implementations.

Despite these critical findings, PwC does not question the fundamental suitability of generative AI. Instead, the consulting firm calls on companies to intensify rather than reduce their efforts. Justenhoven particularly warns German companies: Germany is already lagging behind other countries. She predicts that 2026 could be a key year in which AI pioneers significantly outpace the rest of the market.

Key Messages

• Only 11 percent of German CEOs report revenue increases due to AI, compared to 29 percent globally
• Only two percent of German companies achieve simultaneous success in revenue growth and cost savings
• Two-thirds of surveyed German executives see no measurable business results from their AI investments
• Missing data foundation, lack of strategic planning, and problematic corporate culture are major obstacles to successful AI implementation
• Companies must create fundamental organizational prerequisites before AI leads to strategic advantages
• Germany risks falling behind – 2026 could be a decisive year for further differentiation

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