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NEW YORK and NOIDA, IndiaMay 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HCLTech (NSE: HCLTECH, BSE: HCLTECH), a leading global technology company, today released its latest enterprise AI market research report, “The AI Impact Imperatives, 2026.” The report indicates that as enterprises accelerate the large-scale deployment of AI, they face immense pressure to deliver results within increasingly tight timelines, widening the execution gap.
Based on a global survey of 467 executives responsible for AI investments at companies with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, the study found that while AI applications now broadly cover IT operations, software engineering, and various business functions, nearly 43% of major AI projects are expected to fail. The risk does not stem from a lack of experimentation or tool access, but rather from the difficulty of translating grand visions into consistent, enterprise-wide outcomes.
At the same time, expectations for returns are becoming more stringent. Nearly half of business leaders expect quantifiable value from AI investments within 18 months. Companies must rapidly deploy technology while completing the architectural adjustments required for AI, leaving minimal room for error. The report points out that the tension between speed requirements and readiness is emerging as one of the most defining challenges for today’s leadership teams.
For CIOs and technology leaders, the study’s findings suggest that scaling AI is exposing hidden weaknesses in application systems, data environments, and operating models—systems not originally designed for autonomous, continuously learning systems. For business owners and executives, the data reveals another closely related risk: the strategic danger of aggressively investing in AI without the organizational alignment to sustain it. As AI projects increasingly penetrate the core of business operations, the negative impact of project failures becomes more pronounced, with more severe consequences.
The study also highlights the evolution of enterprise AI adoption, with growing attention to agentic AI and physical AI use cases, extending beyond digital office workflows to physical industry scenarios such as manufacturing, engineering, and operations. Although still in early stages, these models raise new questions about accountability, operational reliability, and regulation, further increasing management pressure on enterprises to responsibly scale AI deployment.
The report argues that many companies underestimate the cross-functional coordination and decision-making clarity required for project success. Without alignment between technical teams and business leaders, AI projects are more likely to stall, even as companies continue to increase investment.
One of the report’s most significant findings is that change management has become a critical factor in determining AI project success, yet it remains a persistently underfunded area in enterprise AI initiatives. Data shows that most companies do not adequately prepare the personnel working alongside AI when deploying it into workflows, which is seen as a major execution risk.
Vijay Guntur, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Ecosystems at HCLTech, stated: “AI has evolved from a technology initiative to an operational reality for businesses. Leaders now face not whether AI can deliver value, but how organizations can adjust their structures, decision-making authority, and risk tolerance to keep pace with AI’s development. The pressure to move quickly is real, but without proper investment in people—helping them understand, trust, and work effectively with AI—speed alone will not drive success; instead, it will increase the likelihood of project failure.”
The “The AI Impact Imperatives, 2026” report concludes that as AI becomes deeply integrated into critical business functions, success will no longer depend solely on adoption rates, but more on a company’s ability to align goals, execution, and accountability within tight timeframes. For enterprises navigating this transformation, the next phase of AI will test not only technical readiness but also leadership and workforce preparedness at scale.
To access the full report, please visit https://www.hcltech.com/ai-impact-imperatives
About HCLTech
HCLTech is a leading global technology company with over 227,000 employees across 60 countries, offering a comprehensive portfolio of technology services and products, delivering industry-leading capabilities in AI, digital, engineering, cloud, and software. Our clients span all major verticals, providing solutions for financial services, manufacturing, life sciences and healthcare, technology and services, semiconductors, telecom and media, retail and fast-moving consumer goods, mobility, and public services. In the 12 months ending March 2026, consolidated revenue totaled $14.7 billion. To learn how we can help you accelerate growth, visit hcltech.com.