AI Strategy and Leadership

Author: Robin Gareiss, CEO and Principal Analyst Nearly each of the 1,104 companies in Metrigy’s AI for Business Success 2025-26 global study is using AI in some fashion. After all, it’s hard not to use AI these days, given that it’s built into many technology products. For example, anyone using meeting applications typically has access to built-in AI-powered transcription and summarization. Exploring how the technology will improve business metrics is no doubt a fascinating job and one that reaps many rewards. Setting up the process to get there is a bit more mundane—yet it’s crucial for success. Metrigy’s study uncovered several best practices for success. This report will evaluate the following:

• The value companies are finding with an AI Center of Excellence to guide their technology adoption and process changes
• Why the lack of executives in charge of enterprise-wide AI strategy is creating problems
• The pros and cons of increased bureaucracy resulting from more AI
• Why dramatic changes in technology decision-making create more pressure on vendors

In examining these issues, we will describe what the Metrigy Research Success Group is doing, compared to the Non-Success Group. The Research Success Group has the highest measurable improvements in its business metrics (revenue, costs, customer satisfaction, employee efficiency, ROI, and after-call work time) through the use of AI.

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Table of Contents

• Building an Effective AI Strategy
• The Value of an AI Center of Excellence
• Missing Element: Enterprise-wide AI Leader
• Bureaucracy on the Rise with AI—Good or Bad?
• Dramatic Shift in Technology Decision-Making
• Conclusion and Recommendations
• Working With Metrigy