A new BearingPoint survey reveals that only 13% of companies are on schedule with their AI initiatives, with most citing compliance constraints and difficulties integrating new models into existing IT stacks.
Only 13% of firms are on track to meet their AI objectives, according to a new BearingPoint survey, which cites regulatory compliance and legacy IT systems as the chief obstacles.
Survey Overview
The study, conducted across more than 1,000 senior executives worldwide, asked respondents to assess progress on AI projects, budget allocations, and perceived barriers. While 78% reported that AI initiatives have delivered strong returns, just a fraction have managed to stay on schedule.
Key Roadblocks
- Stringent data‑privacy and compliance regulations, especially in Europe and China
- Difficulty integrating generative models with legacy enterprise architectures
- Shortage of skilled AI talent to operationalise and maintain models
- Limited executive alignment on AI governance and risk frameworks
Respondents highlighted that existing IT stacks, often built on on‑premise systems, lack the flexibility required for rapid model deployment and scaling. The need to retrofit AI capabilities onto monolithic platforms adds both cost and time pressure.
Regional Variations
Companies in North America reported the highest on‑schedule rate at 18%, while firms in Europe and Asia lag behind, with only 11% and 9% respectively meeting their timelines. Regulatory scrutiny in the EU’s AI Act and China’s data security law were repeatedly mentioned as major factors.
Implications for the Future
BearingPoint warns that without clearer regulatory guidance and accelerated modernization of legacy systems, the gap between AI ambition and execution could widen, potentially slowing overall digital transformation across industries.
For the full report and detailed findings, see Reuters coverage of AI adoption stalls.