- AI moving from pilots to core operations globally
- “Intelligence Age” officially underway (KPMG Tech Report 2026)
- High performers see 4.5x ROI vs 2x industry average
Global organizations are rapidly moving beyond experimental pilots and integrating artificial intelligence into their core operations, signaling the dawn of the “Intelligence Age,” according to the KPMG Global Tech Report 2026.
The study, which surveyed 2,500 executives across 27 countries, highlights a surge in technological optimism. While only 11% of organizations currently rate themselves at the highest level of technology maturity, a remarkable 50% of tech leaders expect to reach that benchmark by the end of 2026.
This transition is being driven by embedding advanced technologies into central workflows, allowing organizations to scale their impact rather than confining innovations to isolated departments.
The Rise of the ‘High Performers’
The report identifies a group of “high performers” already reaping significant benefits. These organizations—characterized by advanced technology adoption and mature processes—report an average ROI of 4.5x on tech investments, more than double the industry average of 2x.
“The future belongs to leaders who turn intelligence into advantage,” said Guy Holland, Global Leader of the CIO Center of Excellence at KPMG International. “Our research shows organizations are moving past the early ‘AI roulette’ phase and are now focused on delivering measurable value.”
Key Findings: From Pilots to ‘Agentic’ AI
- Agentic AI Adoption: 88% of companies are investing in agentic AI—autonomous digital agents capable of making decisions and executing complex tasks without constant human oversight.
- Maturity Gap: While 74% of respondents report AI is delivering measurable business value, only 24% have achieved ROI across multiple use cases.
- Human-Centric Approach: Despite rapid AI adoption, humans remain essential. Organizations expect 42% of their tech workforce to remain permanent human staff by 2027, with high performers planning to retain 50%.
- Skill Shortages: Talent remains a challenge, with 53% of organizations citing a lack of skilled workers as a barrier to achieving their digital transformation goals.
The Next Wave: Quantum Computing and ASI
Looking beyond 2026, the report cautions that “static planning is becoming obsolete.” Leaders are preparing for the next disruptive technologies, including quantum computing and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI). About 78% of organizations agree they must take greater risks with emerging technologies to stay competitive.
To bridge the skills gap, 90% of organizations plan to expand partnerships and tech ecosystems over the next year to access specialized expertise.
The report concludes that success in the Intelligence Age requires balancing bold ambition with disciplined execution, alongside a culture that prioritizes people as much as technological innovation.
