Barriers to Successful AI Transformation

This report presents findings from a global study conducted by Harvard Business Impact, which surveyed 742 senior and executive leaders across various industries to identify the barriers to successful AI transformation. The study reveals that many organizations struggle to realize expected returns on their AI investments due to several limiting factors. Key barriers include insufficient training and skill development, technical challenges related to AI and data, cultural resistance, and slow-to-change behavior among leaders. The report emphasizes that nearly 60% of AI transformations have not met expectations or are facing uncertainty. To achieve successful transformations, organizations must evolve their leadership behaviors and create conducive conditions for change. The report outlines that organizations fostering a change-seeking culture, accelerated learning velocity, cross-functional alignment, and sustained energy significantly enhance their chances of successful AI transformation, increasing the likelihood from 38% to 71%.