CEOs Double Down on AI Investment, Expect ROI by 2026

A recent study of 2,400 business executives, including 640 CEOs, reveals a strong commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) investment, even if returns aren’t immediate. A meaningful 94% of CEOs polled plan to continue AI investments regardless of short-term ROI, anticipating measurable results by 2026. This confidence is driving increased spending, wiht companies planning to allocate 1.7% of their revenue to AI – more than double the amount spent a year ago.

AI Agents Take Center Stage

The study highlights a growing belief in the potential of AI agents. 90% of CEOs surveyed expect these clever software entities to deliver a measurable return on investment (ROI) by 2026. AI agents, designed to perform tasks autonomously, are becoming a focal point for AI deployment.

CEO Leadership in AI Decision-Making

A notable shift in leadership is occurring within organizations. Over two-thirds (72%) of CEOs are now the primary decision-makers for AI initiatives, taking over from Chief Data officers (CIOs) who traditionally led these projects. This indicates a strategic elevation of AI to the highest levels of corporate leadership.

Investment Trends and Agentic AI

Christoph Schweizer,CEO of Boston Consulting Group (BCG),emphasizes the sustained commitment to AI: “Corporate investment in AI is here to stay. 94% of our survey respondents say they will continue to invest in 2026, even if it takes time to see the return. They intend to spend 1.7% of revenue on AI comprehensively. That is more than twice of what it was a year ago.”

BCG’s research indicates that companies leading the way in AI adoption are dedicating 60% of their AI budgets to agentic AI. Schweizer stresses the importance of CEO involvement: “We tell CEOs that they need to make AI a key priority,” he said. “The way they own it, the way they talk about it, the way they bring their organization along. They need to spend time on deepening their own AI literacy.” BCG recommends CEOs actively understand AI tools, technology, and maintain relationships with key technology partners.

Regional Disparities in AI Confidence

While overall confidence in AI is high, regional differences exist. Sylvain Duranton, head of BCG X, notes that UK businesses are less inclined to make substantial AI investments in 2026 compared to their global counterparts. Only 24% of UK companies plan to invest over $50 million in AI, substantially lower than Greater China (68%), Japan (53%), the European union (38%), and the Middle East (41%).

Duranton explains: “CEOs in the East, in India, in China, in Japan, the Middle East and Africa tend to be highly confident that AI is going to be a positive return on investment move. In the global West – Europe, the US and the UK – there’s a bit more caution.” He attributes this caution to factors like workforce skepticism and increased regulation in Western markets.

The Importance of Workforce Upskilling

Companies successfully deploying AI, categorized by BCG as “trailblazers,” prioritize workforce growth. Jessica Apotheker, chief marketing officer and managing director at BCG, highlights this trend: “Trailblazers are putting 60% of their AI budget behind upskilling and retraining their workforce. So, they’re really wanting to go deep in the organization, changing the way people work, putting people behind this new technology.” These organizations have already upskilled or reskilled 70% of their workforce in AI-related skills.

Key Takeaways

• Strong CEO Commitment: 94% of CEOs will continue AI investment even without immediate returns.
• Agentic AI Focus: 90% of ceos expect AI agents to deliver ROI by 2026.
• CEO-Led AI Strategy: CEOs are increasingly taking the lead in AI decision-making.
• Increased Investment: AI investment is projected to reach 1.7% of revenue, doubling from the previous year.
• Regional Differences: AI confidence and investment levels vary significantly by region.
• Workforce Upskilling is Crucial: Leading companies invest heavily in upskilling their workforce to support AI adoption.

As AI continues to evolve, the commitment from business leaders remains strong. The focus on agentic AI, coupled with a strategic emphasis on workforce development, positions organizations for success in leveraging the transformative power of this technology. Continued monitoring of regional trends and proactive adaptation to the changing AI landscape will be essential for maximizing returns and maintaining a competitive edge.