AI Drives Productivity Gains Across EMEA Enterprises

IBM study finds 66% of senior leaders report significant improvements, with many expecting ROI within a year.

A recent IBM study reveals that two-thirds of surveyed enterprises across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) have already experienced notable productivity gains from artificial intelligence. Conducted in partnership with Censuswide, the report titled “The Race for ROI” surveyed 3,500 senior executives across ten countries. Findings show that 66% of respondents credit AI with improving operational efficiency, while 41% expect returns on investment within twelve months. The benefits span cost reduction, time savings, revenue growth, and enhanced employee satisfaction.

Adoption Patterns and Sector Performance

Large enterprises appear to be leading the way, with 72% reporting productivity improvements, compared to 55% of small and medium-sized businesses. Public sector organizations are also lagging, with only 55% noting significant gains. Key areas where AI has delivered the most impact include software development, IT operations, customer service, and procurement. Executives cited operational efficiency, better decision-making, and automation of repetitive tasks as the top advantages.

The study highlights growing interest in agentic AI, with 92% of leaders expecting measurable ROI from AI agents within two years. These tools are seen as instrumental in accelerating innovation and shifting organizations toward continuous decision-making models. Nearly a quarter of respondents said AI has already transformed their business models. Many are redesigning workflows around AI rather than simply automating existing processes.

Strategic Transformation and Workforce Impact

AI is not only improving productivity but also reshaping how businesses operate. About 36% of executives reported faster innovation cycles, while 32% are moving away from periodic planning in favor of AI-driven decisions. A similar proportion is rethinking value streams to center around AI capabilities. These changes reflect a broader shift toward strategic transformation rather than isolated efficiency gains.

Workforce augmentation is another key theme, with 48% of leaders saying AI enables employees to focus on higher-value tasks. Time saved through automation is being redirected toward idea generation, strategic planning, and creative work. This reallocation of effort suggests that AI is enhancing—not replacing—human contributions. The report emphasizes that successful adoption depends on cultivating AI literacy across all levels of the organization.

Priorities, Risks, and Governance

Transparency, interoperability, and choice emerged as top priorities for AI adoption. Around 85% of respondents stressed the importance of open systems that allow flexible integration and ethical operation. The same proportion valued the ability to select and adapt AI solutions as business needs evolve. These preferences reflect a desire for autonomy and control in how technology is deployed.

Despite optimism, concerns remain around security, privacy, and ethical risks. About 68% of executives cited these issues as barriers to scaling AI pilots. Integration with legacy systems also poses challenges, with complexity hindering broader implementation. To address these concerns, the report recommends establishing AI governance models, promoting literacy, and forming cross-functional AI boards to oversee risk management.