Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to enter a more challenging phase in 2024, as companies shift from experimentation to a focus on financial returns, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Taiwan released on Monday. The report indicates that while some early adopters have seen significant gains, most organizations have struggled to translate their AI investments into substantial revenue growth or long-term competitive advantages.
PwC’s 2026 AI Business Predictions report highlights a growing performance gap, where many companies achieve only cost recovery or modest efficiency improvements. The consultancy warns that this trend is prompting executives to reevaluate their AI deployment strategies. “Many companies are getting something back from AI, but not enough to call it transformation,” said Chang Chin-jui, PwC Taiwan’s chief digital officer.
According to Chang, only a handful of companies are experiencing rapid revenue growth and increased valuations, with the majority seeing limited returns. This situation has made it difficult for organizations to pinpoint measurable productivity gains resulting from their AI initiatives. As a result, many companies find that their AI investments often just break even or yield incremental benefits rather than transformative results.
The report suggests that corporate leadership is beginning to take a more active role in AI strategy, moving away from isolated pilot projects. Executives are expected to concentrate resources on a select few high-impact processes, thereby directing investments toward initiatives that promise the greatest returns. The consultancy notes that centralized AI studios are becoming more prevalent, enabling firms to maintain tighter control over technology, talent, and operational standards.
A significant area of focus for the upcoming year will be “agentic AI,” which refers to systems capable of autonomously carrying out tasks. PwC anticipates that with clearer performance targets, enhanced testing, and tighter oversight, these systems will become more effective and reliable.
This strategic shift in AI deployment is also set to impact workforce dynamics. AI is increasingly expected to assume routine and technical tasks in sectors such as software development, finance, and administrative operations. This transition may reduce the demand for mid-level specialists, while increasing the need for employees who understand business processes and can oversee AI systems. PwC forecasts that organizations will prioritize hiring multidisciplinary “generalists” who can manage agentic AI and ensure alignment with corporate objectives.
In addition to these workforce changes, another emerging priority is AI orchestration, which involves the integration of multiple AI models, tools, data sources, and workflows into a cohesive system. According to PwC, implementing control layers in this orchestration will be critical for converting conceptual ideas into operational production systems while maintaining security and compliance.
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, companies must adapt their strategies to better harness the technology’s potential. The push for tangible outcomes will likely drive innovation and efficiency in AI applications, ultimately shaping the future of work and productivity across various sectors.
For further insights, visit PwC’s official website.
As firms navigate these changes, they will need to not only implement advanced technological solutions but also cultivate the right talent to manage and supervise these systems effectively. The coming years could redefine how businesses leverage AI, marking a critical juncture in the technology’s integration into the corporate framework.
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