'Minority' of firms turn AI efforts into measurable financial return

PwC Ireland chief technology leader David Lee said: 'Many companies are busy rolling out AI pilots, but only a minority are converting that activity into measurable financial returns'.

While numerous companies are rolling AI out into their operations “only a minority are converting that activity into measurable financial returns”, professional services firm PwC has said, adding that the gap “is likely to widen” without a shift in approach.

According to its 2026 AI performance study, three-quarters, 74%, of the “economic value” created by AI tools is being captured by just 20% of organisations. AI-driven performance was measured as the revenue and efficiency gains attributable to AI, adjusted against industry medians.