Summary
A new report from KPMG shows that companies around the world plan to spend an average of $186 million on artificial intelligence (AI) over the next year. While most businesses say they are seeing some benefits, only 11 percent have successfully used AI agents to change how their entire company works. This gap shows that spending money on technology is not the same as getting real value from it. The report highlights that the most successful companies are the ones that change their business processes before adding AI tools.
Main Impact
The biggest takeaway from the KPMG Global AI Pulse survey is the growing divide between "AI leaders" and everyone else. While 64 percent of companies say AI is helping them, many are only seeing small improvements in productivity. The leaders—the small group of companies that have fully embraced AI agents—are seeing much bigger gains. These companies use AI to handle complex tasks across different departments, make decisions faster, and find problems before they become serious. This difference in how AI is used will likely decide which companies stay ahead of their competitors in the coming years.
Key Details
What Happened
KPMG surveyed business leaders globally to understand how they are investing in and using AI. They found that while the desire to use AI is very high, the ability to make it work at a large scale is still rare. Most companies are simply adding AI tools, like chatbots or summary tools, to their old ways of working. In contrast, the top-performing companies are redesigning their work from the ground up to make room for AI agents that can work independently.
Important Numbers and Facts
The financial investment in AI is massive, but it varies by region. On average, companies in the Asia-Pacific region (ASPAC) plan to spend $245 million. In the Americas, the average is $178 million, while in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), it is $157 million. Within these regions, US companies are spending about $207 million, and companies in China and Hong Kong are spending around $235 million.
The survey also found that 82 percent of AI leaders see meaningful value from their investment, compared to only 62 percent of other companies. Additionally, 74 percent of all leaders said AI will remain a top priority even if the economy goes into a recession. This shows that businesses view AI as a necessary tool for survival, not just a luxury.
Background and Context
To understand these findings, it helps to know what an "AI agent" is. Unlike a simple chatbot that only answers questions, an AI agent can take action. It can coordinate work between different teams, manage supply chains, or even write software code. However, making these agents work requires more than just buying a license. It requires clean data and a clear set of rules for the AI to follow.
Many companies are finding "hidden costs" that they did not expect. These include the cost of connecting new AI to old computer systems and the time spent organizing data so the AI can understand it. Without this preparation, the AI might give answers that are technically correct but out of date or useless for the business.
Public or Industry Reaction
Steve Chase, the head of AI at KPMG, points out that spending more money does not guarantee success. He explains that the best companies are moving past just "trying out" AI. Instead, they are using it to rethink how work flows through their organization. Industry experts also note that trust is a major factor. Companies that have strong rules and safety checks in place feel more confident moving faster. In fact, 49 percent of AI leaders feel they can manage the risks of AI, while only 20 percent of beginners feel the same way.
What This Means Going Forward
In the future, we will likely see a bigger difference in how different parts of the world use AI. For example, companies in Asia are currently the fastest at using AI agents to lead projects. In North America, companies prefer a style where humans and AI work together as equals. These cultural differences mean that global companies will have to change how they set up their AI systems depending on where they are operating.
The report also suggests that the time for "just experimenting" is ending. As the top 11 percent of companies get better at using AI, they will become much more efficient than their rivals. Companies that are still waiting to fix their data or their internal rules may find it very hard to catch up later.
Final Take
The race to use AI is not just about who has the biggest budget. It is about which companies are willing to change their old habits to make the most of new technology. Success requires a mix of smart spending, strong safety rules, and a willingness to redesign how work gets done. Those who treat AI as a simple add-on will likely continue to see small results, while those who build their business around it will see the biggest rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are companies spending on AI?
On average, global organizations plan to spend $186 million on AI over the next 12 months. Some regions, like Asia, are spending even more, with averages reaching $245 million.
Why are only 11 percent of companies seeing big results?
Most companies are just adding AI tools to their existing workflows. The successful 11 percent are redesigning their business processes first and then using AI agents to run those new processes.
Is AI spending safe during an economic downturn?
Yes, 74 percent of business leaders say that AI will remain a top priority for them even if there is a recession. They believe AI is essential for staying competitive and saving money in the long run.
