Kyndryl (US:KD) Prnewswireยท2025-10-20 04:00Core Insights - The Kyndryl Readiness Report indicates that while businesses are experiencing momentum in AI investments, they face significant foundational gaps in technology and talent that hinder further progress [1][2]. AI Investment and ROI - AI spending has increased by an average of 33% across industries, with 68% of organizations investing heavily in AI [3]. - There is heightened pressure on business leaders to demonstrate ROI from AI investments, with three in five feeling more pressure this year compared to last [3]. Cloud Infrastructure Challenges - Organizations are reassessing their cloud strategies due to geopolitical risks and regulatory changes, with 75% expressing concerns about data management in global cloud environments [4]. - 65% of leaders have adjusted their cloud strategies, focusing on data repatriation and shifting towards private cloud models [4]. Talent and Cultural Readiness - Nearly 90% of leaders believe AI will transform jobs within the next year, yet only 29% feel their workforce is prepared to leverage AI effectively [5][6]. - Cultural barriers are significant, with 48% of CEOs stating their organizations stifle innovation and 45% indicating slow decision-making processes [5]. Current State of AI Projects - 54% of organizations report positive returns on AI investments, a 12-point increase from the previous year, but 62% have not moved beyond the pilot phase of their AI projects [6]. - Despite confidence in their tools, over half of the organizations find their foundational technology stack a barrier to innovation [6]. Geopolitical and Regulatory Impact - Organizations are reevaluating data storage and processing strategies due to geopolitical pressures, with 70% of CEOs admitting their cloud setups were reached by accident rather than design [6].