97% of CEOs plan AI integration, but only 1.7%
feel fully prepared. New research highlights what's getting
in the way of progress – and how CEOs plan to shift ambition into
action.
News summary:
- While 4 out of 5 CEOs recognize AI's potential, many worry gaps
in their understanding will impact strategic decisions, risking
missed opportunities and falling behind competitors.
- Over 70% fear losing ground due to gaps in IT knowledge or
network infrastructure, with more than half already seeing
competitive losses from underinvestment in technology.
- CEOs plan to stay ahead by investing in their people,
modernizing infrastructure, and strengthening cybersecurity, with
96% relying on trusted partners to future-proof their network for
AI.
AMSTERDAM, Feb. 10,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CISCO LIVE -- A new
study from Cisco, the worldwide leader in networking and security,
reveals a paradox among CEOs While 4 in 5 recognize AI's potential
benefits and almost all plan to integrate AI into their operations,
many fear gaps in their knowledge will hinder decisions in the
boardroom (74%) and stifle growth (58%) – risking missed
opportunities and falling behind competitors. Yet, CEOs are not
standing still. With support from their IT leaders and trusted
partners, they plan to empower their people, modernize
infrastructure, and strengthen cybersecurity to sharpen their
competitive edge in an AI-driven future.
Cisco's Chief Product Officer, Jeetu
Patel, underscores the urgency to act: "In a dynamic
landscape where competition is fierce, speed decides the winners.
Leaders who act decisively today to build resilient, future-proofed
networks will be the AI-forward leaders driving real value for
their business. Eventually there will be only two kinds of
companies: those that are AI companies, and those that are
irrelevant."
CEOs fear the mounting costs of inaction
Cisco's
research shows more than 70% of CEOs are concerned about losing
ground to competitors and missing out on opportunities because of
IT and infrastructure gaps – fears that are already translating
into real losses. Over half of CEOs (53%) worry that a lack of
investment in technology is costing them competitive advantage,
while two-thirds are concerned about the opportunity costs of not
investing more in technology. The costs of inaction aren't
hypothetical scenarios. If they don't invest in technology now,
CEOs expect higher operating costs, lower profits, reduced
productivity, and declining market share.
The bold act while others fall behind
For the leaders
who confront their fears, the rewards will transcend simply
"keeping up." CEOs are turning to AI for its transformative
potential: driving efficiency (69%), spurring innovation (68%), and
outpacing competitors (54%). But fulfilling that ambition requires
CEOs to break down the barriers holding them back from
realizing AI's potential: skills shortages, infrastructure gaps,
and security risks (Figure 1).
While CEOs focus on the bigger picture, their CIOs and CTOs are
often grappling with operational hurdles including the lack of
compelling business use cases – a challenge CEOs rank lower (Figure
1). This tension perhaps reflects AI's exploratory phase, where the
82% of CEOs who recognize AI's potential benefits must support bold
experimentation in the short term to uncover value in the long
term.
Oliver Tuszik, President of Cisco EMEA, highlights the
opportunity: "Whole businesses will be revolutionized if they can
unlock AI's potential to innovate faster, simplify their
operations, and withstand digital disruptions. But no one can do it
alone. That's why 96% of CEOs are leaning on trusted partners to
make the leap."
The CEO's Blueprint: People, infrastructure, and
cybersecurity
Cisco's research reveals CEOs' plan to turn
fear into progress – investing in knowledge and skills, upgrading
infrastructure, and enhancing security to prepare for the demands
of AI (Figure 2).
Delivering on this blueprint will require decisive technology
leadership both within the organisation and through trusted
partnerships. CEOs are increasingly looking to their CTOs and CIOs,
with nearly 80% recognising their vital role in guiding business
and investment decisions. More and more, technology leaders are
business leaders who see modern networks and technology not just as
tools, but as enablers of growth, resilience, and innovation.
CEOs know they can't deliver on their blueprint without expert
support: 96% are turning to trusted partnerships to future-proof
their network for AI. With bold technology leadership inside and
beyond their organizations, the CEOs have the expertise to navigate
uncertainties and translate AI's potential into tangible
outcomes.
Cisco continues to help organizations overcome complexity and
create opportunity in the AI era
Skills shortages,
implementation challenges, AI-ready infrastructure, and
cybersecurity are top concerns for IT teams and leaders across
industries. Cisco's upcoming announcements aim to address these
challenges: closing gaps between security and networking for AI
data centres, empowering Service Providers with new
revenue-generating tools, and equipping the next generation of
AI-forward professionals with enhanced certifications.
Download highlights from Cisco's CEO research
here
The CEO study, conducted by Opinion Matters (24 Dec 2024–2 Jan
2025), surveyed 2,503 CEOs from companies with 250+ employees
worldwide. A companion study with 8,065 senior networking leaders
will follow in the coming months, exploring the strategic and
operational needs of AI-era networking and security.
Additional resources:
- Cisco's 2025 AI Briefing: CEO Edition – essential insight on
CEO fears, ambitions, and action on AI and secure networks
- Press release: Cisco Unveils AI Defense to Secure the AI
Transformation of Enterprises
- Blog: Protecting AI so AI can improve the world, safely
About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide technology leader that is
revolutionizing the way organizations connect and protect in the AI
era. For more than 40 years, Cisco has securely connected the
world. With its industry leading AI-powered solutions and services,
Cisco enables its customers, partners and communities to unlock
innovation, enhance productivity and strengthen digital
resilience. With purpose at its core, Cisco remains committed
to creating a more connected and inclusive future for all. Discover
more on The Newsroom.
Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks
of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. A
listing of Cisco's trademarks can be found
at http://www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. Third-party trademarks
mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use of
the word 'partner' does not imply a partnership relationship
between Cisco and any other company.
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SOURCE Cisco Systems, Inc.
