AI helps firms with efficiency, but most don’t trust it to drive growth

AI helps firms with efficiency, but most don’t trust it to drive growth

AI helps firms with efficiency, but most don’t trust it to drive growth

https://www.cfo.com/news/ai-helps-firms-with-efficiency-but-most-dont-trust-it-to-drive-growth-ey-p-cfo-/819691/

Publish Date: 2026-05-11 08:23:00

Source Domain: www.cfo.com

  • AI Usage for Efficiency: A significant majority of surveyed vice presidents (63%) report that AI aids in productivity, while only a small fraction (14%) uses it for strategic competitive advantages.

  • Perception vs. Reality: Despite high confidence in AI’s acceleration of growth (78%), only 34% trust AI to support strategic decision-making, indicating a trust barrier.

  • Changing Growth Environment: The business environment is seen as significantly more challenging (80%) today compared to a year ago, driving companies to alter their growth strategies.

  • Drivers of Strategy Change: The primary external changes to growth strategies include geopolitical and economic pressures (73%) and technological innovation (58%).

  • Optimism and Barriers: While 63% of respondents are optimistic about selling or serving customers and 57% about new markets, they face issues such as risk and regulatory compliance, as well as legacy technology infrastructures.

  • Future of AI for Growth: Companies adept at leveraging AI for growth and innovating faster, by personalizing offerings and launching new products, are likely to lead the market.

  • Emerging AI Themes: EY-Parthenon highlights emerging applications of AI, including mining intellectual property data for new products and markets, improving core systems through advanced AI reasoning, and using neuro-symbolic AI for consistent and transparent decision-making.