CEOs Plan to Spend More on AI in 2026 - Despite Spotty Returns

The Wall Street Journal reports that 68% of CEOs 'plan to spend even more on AI in 2026, according to an annual survey of more than 350 public-company CEOs from advisory firm Teneo.'

And yet 'less than half of current AI projects had generated more in returns than they had cost, respondents said.'

They reported the most success using AI in marketing and customer service and challenges using it in higher-risk areas such as security, legal and human resources.

Teneo also surveyed about 400 institutional investors, of which 53% expect that AI initiatives would begin to deliver returns on investments within six months. That compares to the 84% of CEOs of large companies — those with revenue of $10 billion or more — who believe it will take more than six months.

Surprisingly, 67% of CEOs believe AI will increase their entry-level head count, while 58% believe AI will increase senior leadership head count.

All the surveyed CEOS were from public companies with revenue over $1 billion...

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