2026 Corporate AI Outlook Study Available

Findings Identify AI Adoption, Investment Priorities and Impacts

Chicago, IL—January 15, 2026—The AI Leaders Council announces the release of its 2026 Corporate AI Outlook Study, a research report that identifies how organizations across North America are adopting, investing, and managing artificial intelligence. The study results will be previewed at a complimentary webcast panel discussion scheduled for January 20, 2026, 1 PM CST, followed by a video archive.

The first annual study provides a complete snapshot of enterprise AI maturity including adoption levels, investment priorities, business objectives, talent and risk considerations. Importantly, the study identifies AI adoption to-date as “AI Adoption Stages“, along with a AI Budget Index™ based on planned investment in AI deployment. Both metrics will support benchmarking and help identify trends in this rapidly evolving category.

According to the study, workforce productivity and operational efficiency remain the top business objectives for AI initiatives heading into 2026. Organizations are prioritizing practical applications such as process automation, generative AI, and decision support, while also increasing investment in talent acquisition and training, data platforms, and cloud infrastructure to support broader adoption.

“The 2026 Corporate AI Outlook study reflects a clear shift from experimentation to execution,” states Neil Brown, Executive Director and Board Chair of the AI Leaders Council. “Organizations are moving beyond proof-of-concept projects, investing in AI, and focusing on how AI can deliver sustainable operational value.”  

The full 2026 Corporate AI Outlook Study is available for complimentary download at: https://aileaderscouncil.org/2026-corporate-ai-outlook-study/

To register for the complimentary webcast, 2026 Corporate AI Outlook Study Preview – Webcast Panel, link to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2626506131010608217/?source=news 

ABOUT the AI Leaders Council

AI Leaders Council™ is a global platform and community for AI Directors, CAIOs, CTOs, CIOs and related executives focused on training and career development, best practice resources and programs, peer networking and more. Programs include strategic, industry-leading research studies including the annual Corporate AI Outlook™ Study, AI Talent™ Study, and corresponding AI Adoptions Stages™, and the AI Budget Index™, the AI Innovators™ Interview Series, and the upcoming AI 2030™ Predictions Panel. Resources include the AI Insiders™ newsletter, numerous webcasts and roundtable panels on trending topics, and informative articles and whitepapers. For more information, visit www.AiLeadersCouncil.org, or contact Neil Brown, Executive Director of the AI Leaders Council at neil@aileaderscouncil.org, or call 630-710-4710.