How Organizations are Mastering Generative AI: Insights from the NTT DATA Global Report
The End of Experimentation: A New Era for Generative AI
The NTT DATA Global GenAI Report marks a turning point in how organizations approach Generative AI (GenAI). Gone are the days of experimentation; businesses are now focused on leveraging GenAI for long-term transformation across performance, compliance, culture, security, and sustainability.
This extensive study, which surveyed over 2,300 leaders across 34 countries and multiple industries, reveals GenAI's growing maturity and integration into organizational strategies.
Source: Global GenAI Report
Key Findings: Shaping the Future of Generative AI
1. Investment and Adoption
Widespread Integration: Nearly all respondents have invested in GenAI, with 83% establishing specialized teams.
Use Cases on the Rise: Key applications include personalized service recommendations, knowledge management, quality control, and research and development (R&D).
Rapid Shift Expected: Two-thirds of C-level executives believe GenAI will drive a paradigm shift in the next two years.
2. Strategy and Business Alignment
Strategic Readiness: While 83% of organizations have defined GenAI strategies, 51% lack alignment between these strategies and broader business plans, limiting ROI potential.
Targeted Investments: Organizations consolidate efforts, moving from scattered experimentation to focused, impactful implementations.
3. Infrastructure Challenges
Legacy Systems: 90% of respondents cite outdated infrastructure as a barrier to practical GenAI application.
Cloud Solutions: 96% of CIOs and CTOs favour cloud-based solutions as the most practical approach to support GenAI deployments.
4. Workforce and Culture
Upskilling Needs: While 96% see GenAI simplifying workflows, 67% admit their workforce lacks the necessary skills. Half of the surveyed organizations plan training initiatives to bridge this gap.
Cultural Resistance: Common obstacles include limited user understanding, resistance to new technologies, and security concerns.
5. Ethics, Security, and Sustainability
Regulatory Hurdles: 82% of respondents find government regulations unclear, complicating compliance and increasing associated costs.
Ethical Responsibility: Leaders strive to balance innovation with accountability, but 72% lack clear internal policies on GenAI use, including intellectual property protection.
Why It Matters for Businesses
Driving Business Transformation
GenAI is no longer a tool of the future—it is today’s transformative force. Industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and logistics are already experiencing the impact:
Efficiency Gains: Streamlined processes and improved productivity.
Enhanced Innovation: Faster R&D cycles and breakthrough solutions.
Customer Experience: Hyper-personalized services and products.
Competitive Necessity
Yutaka Sasaki, CEO of NTT DATA Group, noted, “Moving too fast with GenAI risks unforeseen consequences while moving too slow risks irrelevance.” Businesses that embrace GenAI strategically stand to lead in their industries.
Workforce Evolution
Companies must invest in upskilling and culture shifts to maximize GenAI’s potential. A workforce equipped to harness AI will differentiate successful organizations from those left behind.
Industry Use Cases
Banking & Finance: AI-driven customer service bots and fraud detection systems enhance security and efficiency.
Healthcare: Accelerated drug discovery and precision medicine tailored to individual patient needs.
Retail: Dynamic pricing and personalized shopping experiences driven by real-time consumer data.
Manufacturing: Quality control and predictive maintenance through AI-enabled insights.
Overcoming Challenges: A Path to Sustainable AI
Despite its promise, GenAI faces hurdles:
Legacy Infrastructure: Businesses must modernize IT frameworks to support advanced AI capabilities.
Ethical and Legal Frameworks: Clear regulations and internal policies are essential for responsible AI adoption.
Cultural Adaptation: Change management programs are crucial to overcoming resistance and skill gaps.
The Role of Leadership
The report emphasizes leaders' responsibility to drive GenAI’s adoption responsibly and effectively. With 68% of respondents feeling optimistic about GenAI’s potential, executives must translate this enthusiasm into sustainable and ethical practices.
A Global Perspective: The Road Ahead
As Generative AI becomes a cornerstone of modern business strategy, companies must act decisively. Abhijit Dubey, CEO of NTT DATA, Inc., said, “This is a pivotal moment in history. Generative AI is transforming our technology-driven economy. Organizations must ensure their implementations are resilient, effective, and responsible.”
With strategic alignment, cultural adaptation, and a focus on ethical practices, businesses can unlock GenAI's full transformative potential. The time to act is now.