Organisations across the world are moving decisively beyond artificial intelligence (AI) pilot projects and are embedding the technology into their core operations, according to KPMG’s Global Tech Report 2026.

The report reveals that while expectations around AI are soaring and adoption is accelerating, scaling these technologies introduces new layers of complexity — and returns on investment vary significantly across organisations.

Titled “Leading in the Intelligence Age: Excelling Today, Shaping Tomorrow,” the report is based on a global survey of 2,500 executives across 27 countries and territories, spanning eight major industries including financial services, healthcare, government, manufacturing, and technology.

One of the report’s most striking findings is the surge in optimism among global tech leaders. Half (50 percent) of respondents expect to reach the highest level of technology maturity by 2026, compared to just 11 percent today.

This confidence is driven by a clear shift away from isolated AI experiments toward integrating AI and advanced technologies directly into core systems and business models.

Organisations that are already leading in technology maturity, process maturity, and value creation are seeing tangible rewards. These high performers report an average return on investment (ROI) of 4.5 times, more than double the industry average of 2 times.

Other organisations reporting stronger-than-average returns include smaller firms (3.6x ROI), companies facing fewer cost pressures (2.6x), and transformation-focused organisations (3.2x).

Rather than a single investment “sweet spot,” the report identifies multiple ROI “zones” — ranging from early quick wins to accelerating, enterprise-wide value as technology maturity increases.

To overcome skills gaps and accelerate innovation, 90 percent of organisations plan to expand partnerships and technology ecosystems over the next year.

Strategic alliances are increasingly seen as essential for accessing specialised expertise, enabling faster innovation, and sharing best practices — particularly as agentic AI and other advanced technologies move into the mainstream.

Nearly one-third of tech executives also plan to increase investment in centres of excellence, supporting cross-functional collaboration and controlled experimentation.

Looking further ahead, the report notes that emerging technologies such as quantum computing and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) are rapidly approaching the commercial horizon.

As a result, 78 percent of organisations agree they must take greater risks on emerging technologies to remain relevant. However, KPMG cautions that bold ambition must be balanced with disciplined execution, ethical frameworks, and long-term strategic foresight.

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According to the report, organisations that successfully combine innovation with rational decision-making are best positioned to turn disruption into sustained, compounding value.

Despite the rapid rise of AI and automation, human talent continues to play a critical role in digital transformation.

By 2027, organisations expect 42 percent of their technology workforce to remain permanent human staff, only a modest decline from 2025. High-performing organisations plan to retain even more human talent, with 50 percent of their workforce remaining in place.

However, talent shortages remain a significant challenge. More than half (53 percent) of organisations say they still lack the skills needed to fully realise their digital transformation ambitions.

The report also highlights that 92 percent of organisations expect managing AI agents to become a critical skill within the next five years, reinforcing the need for continuous upskilling and adaptive work cultures.

KPMG’s Global Tech Report 2026 concludes that success in the intelligence age will depend not just on technology adoption, but on how effectively organisations align AI with people, processes, and purpose.

ID/MA