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NTT DATA Business Solutions

2026 Global AI report: a playbook for AI leaders

This year’s global research findings reveal that AI-driven transformation is reshaping business models, redefining the workforce and fueling growth.

A new era of AI leadership

In 2025, a clear theme emerged from our global AI research: “Playtime is over.” Organizations were moving away from AI experimentation to practical application, with clear business outcomes.

This year’s global research findings reveal that AI-driven transformation is reshaping business models, redefining the workforce and fueling growth. In short: Your AI strategy is your business strategy.

The 2026 Global AI Report: A Playbook for AI Leaders is the first in a series of content based on our global research*. It provides a roadmap for accelerating toward an AI-native state by embedding AI into the organisation’s strategy, operations and culture.

Discover how some global executives are outpacing others in growth, margin and innovation. Complete the form to access your download.

* Research data is sourced from 2,567 C-suite and other senior leaders across 35 markets and 15 industries during September and October 2025

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Key findings

AI leaders are growth and margin outliers. They:

  • Focus on strategic alignment and speed
  • Focus on high-value, growth-oriented use cases, with an end-to-end approach
  • Embrace the flywheel effect, a repetitive cycle where impact ignites further investment
  • Rebuild core applications with embedded AI and combine plug-and-play solutions with bespoke innovations
  • Invest in scalable, secure and private or sovereign AI
  • Augment their expert employees rather than replace them
  • Emphasise change management to make adoption stick

Download the report

Thank you for your interest in our report. Simply fill in the form to download the 2026 Global AI report. 

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About NTT DATA Business Solutions

NTT DATA Business Solutions is a leading global IT service provider focused on SAP with a powerful ecosystem of partners. With more than 35 years of in-depth experience, we enable companies worldwide to become Intelligent Enterprises. We deliver end-to-end solutions that accelerate sustainable growth and success – from strategic consulting and implementation to managed services and beyond. As a global strategic SAP partner, we drive innovation and leverage the latest technologies to support our customers individually and across all industries. Our more than 15,300 dedicated employees in over 30 countries work passionately every day to make it happen.

NTT DATA Business Solutions is part of NTT DATA, a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services headquartered in Tokyo. As One NTT DATA we serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping customers innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group.