Businesses are continuing to increase their artificial intelligence (AI) investments despite a more uncertain economic environment, with 80% of C-suite leaders planning to boost AI spending over the next 12 months, according to Accenture’s latest Pulse of Change research.
The study found that business leaders are facing slower growth expectations, inflation concerns and increasing geopolitical volatility. Despite these challenges, confidence in AI remains strong, with more than half of executives expecting their AI investments to deliver measurable, board-reportable outcomes within the next year.
Agentic AI delivers stronger-than-expected returns
While only 21% of business leaders say their organizations have already achieved widespread and sustained business value from AI, 65% report that their investments in agentic AI are generating greater returns than initially expected.
These gains are being seen across productivity, decision-making, customer and employee experiences, innovation and risk management.
Accenture said the findings point to a shift in how organizations approach AI, with leading companies increasingly treating the technology as a strategic business transformation priority rather than simply an IT initiative.
“Organizations are doubling down on AI because they recognize it is critical for competitive advantage and growth, and because they are seeing tangible results,” said Ryoji Sekido, Asia Pacific Co-Chief Executive Officer at Accenture.
He added that organizations generating the most value are investing not only in AI technology but also in the talent, capabilities and operating models required to sustain its impact.
Employees report productivity gains
Employees are also reporting stronger benefits from AI tools. The research found that 82% now say AI has increased their overall productivity, up significantly from 43% at the beginning of the year who said AI helped them work faster and more efficiently.
Meanwhile, 72% of employees report higher job satisfaction since AI tools were introduced.
However, the findings also highlight concerns around reskilling. More than half of employees surveyed—53%—believe they would be expected to reskill on their own if AI disrupts their roles.
The results suggest that while employees are increasingly recognizing AI’s benefits, organizations will need to provide stronger training and reskilling programs as AI adoption accelerates.
Accenture’s research surveyed 3,000 C-suite leaders and 3,000 employees across 19 industries and 20 countries, including 680 executives and 680 employees in Asia Pacific. The survey was conducted between April and June 2026.
