Realising the value of AI in 2026: Key insights for IT and project leaders

Artificial intelligence is already shaping how organisations operate and deliver change. Yet while adoption is accelerating, many businesses are still working out how to translate that momentum into measurable value.

Our latest research report, Realising the value of AI in IT and project delivery, explores how IT and project leaders are approaching this challenge in 2026. Based on insights from 600 senior professionals, it highlights the pressures organisations face and the capabilities they need to develop, alongside the role human judgement plays in successful transformation.

The four priorities shaping 2026

Across organisations, a clear set of priorities has emerged. Leaders are focused on improving efficiency (50%) while maintaining quality (40%). At the same time, they are continuing to invest in digital transformation (40%) and strengthening data management and security (37%).

The findings show that these priorities are closely connected. Progress in one area often depends on capability in another. For example, improving efficiency through automation depends on data quality and strong governance.

This creates a more complex delivery environment. Leaders are expected to balance short-term performance with longer-term transformation, often within constrained budgets and shifting market conditions.

Growing pressure on organisational capability

One of the strongest themes in the research is the strain on organisational capability. While investment in technology continues, many businesses are finding it difficult to maintain the skills and structures needed to support change.

Economic uncertainty is a major factor and the number one business transformation challenge for 64% of businesses this year.  When stability is the primary focus, senior leaders often have harder choices to make about where to invest, which initiatives to prioritise and how to protect long-term progress while managing short-term pressure.

At the same time, talent shortages are making it harder to fill specialist roles. Combined, these pressures can slow transformation and reduce its impact; when capability gaps exist, even well-funded initiatives may struggle to deliver value.

AI adoption is accelerating, governance is not

AI and generative AI are now widely used across teams. Our research shows that adoption is happening quickly (77% see it as a priority for skills development), with many organisations already integrating these tools into day-to-day work.

However, governance frameworks are not keeping up at the same pace (65% cite lack of regulation as a concern). This creates a gap between what technology can do and how effectively it is controlled. Without clear oversight, the benefits of AI can become inconsistent with productivity gains becoming uneven, and risks increasing as usage expands.

Data, cyber security and technical foundations remain critical

While AI is a central focus, the research highlights the continued importance of core technical foundations: data quality, cyber security and system resilience all play a role in successful transformation.

Many organisations are still facing challenges in these areas. Large volumes of data can be difficult to manage, while poor quality data often weakens decision-making.

Cyber security also remains a concern with legacy vulnerabilities and limited visibility exposing organisations to risk, particularly as systems become more interconnected.

The message from the research is clear: advanced technologies deliver value only when supported by strong foundations.

The role of human judgement in AI-driven organisations

A consistent theme throughout the research is the importance of human oversight; while AI can support efficiency and insight, it does not replace the need for judgement.

Leaders highlight skills such as analytical thinking and problem solving as essential for making effective use of technology, particularly as AI becomes more embedded in day-to-day work.

Human input is especially important when dealing with risk or complex decisions. It supports better interpretation of outputs and helps maintain accountability. The balance between technology and human judgement is deemed central to realising the full value of AI.

What this means for organisations

The research points to a shift in how organisations approach transformation. Technology alone is not enough; value comes from the combination of the right tools, governance, capability and application.

To respond effectively, organisations need to:

• Strengthen governance around AI and data use
• Build technical and professional skills across teams
• Align transformation initiatives with strategic objectives
• Maintain human oversight in decision-making

These areas are explored more thoroughly within the full report, with practical guidance on how to address each challenge.

Access the full research

The findings presented here provide a snapshot of a wider set of insights. The full research expands on these themes with deeper analysis, including how organisations are prioritising investment and where capability gaps are most likely to slow progress. Organisations looking to improve how they adopt AI and deliver transformation can expect a clear and practical perspective.

Access the full Realising the value of AI in IT and project delivery research to explore the findings in detail and understand how your organisation can build the capability needed for 2026 and beyond.