A report by OpenText and Ponemon Institute finds that 57% of companies prioritize AI, but 53% struggle with data management risks.
Many organizations are appointing chief AI officers to develop coherent AI strategies amid data chaos.
Despite challenges, a third of firms have adopted generative AI for security and productivity enhancements.
Enterprises risk stalling AI initiatives without strategies to simplify and secure their data.
A new report from OpenText and the Ponemon Institute reveals that while AI is a top priority for companies, most are failing to adopt it successfully because their own messy, complex data is getting in the way.
The readiness gap: The study of nearly 1,900 IT leaders found an "AI paradox": 57% call AI adoption a top priority, yet 53% find managing its risks "very difficult." Shannon Bell, OpenText's Chief Digital Officer, put it plainly: "AI is mission-critical, but most organizations aren't ready to support it."
Calling in the chief: To get a handle on the chaos, about half of the organizations surveyed are bringing in leadership, having either hired or considering the appointment of a chief AI officer to spearhead a coherent strategy.
Train's left the station: Despite these foundational struggles, companies aren't waiting. The report notes that about a third of firms have already adopted generative AI, primarily for security operations and boosting employee productivity.
The message is clear: without a serious strategy to simplify and secure their information, enterprises risk having their expensive AI ambitions stall out before they even begin. The full report details other hurdles, including the challenge of managing insider threats and rising privacy concerns. Meanwhile, some industries are finding success, with banking in particular using GenAI to improve fraud and anomaly detection.
