As AI Investments Surge, CEOs Take the Lead

The BCG AI Radar 2026 is Boston Consulting Group's third annual study on the global state of artificial intelligence in the corporate environment. Based on a survey of 2,360 executives from 16 markets and 9 industries, including 640 CEOs, the report reveals three fundamental trends that are redefining corporate AI adoption and the role of executive leadership.

Corporate AI investment will experience historic growth in 2026, doubling from 2025 to reach 1.7% of organizations' annual revenues. 94% of companies will continue investing in AI even if they don't see immediate returns this year, reflecting an unprecedented strategic commitment. All sectors are significantly increasing their AI budgets, led by technology (2.1%), financial institutions (2.0%), and insurance (1.9%). This investment is expanding beyond traditional technology budgets into all business functions.

The second key finding documents a historic shift in digital transformation leadership: AI has moved from being a CIO-led initiative to becoming a direct CEO priority. 72% of CEOs state they are now the primary decision-makers on AI in their organizations, double from the previous year. Half of the surveyed CEOs believe their job stability depends on getting AI strategy right. Notably, 82% are more optimistic about return on investment than a year ago, with significant regional differences: CEOs in India and China show greater confidence (73-76%) than their Western counterparts (44-61%).

The third discovery identifies three CEO archetypes: Followers (15%), who recognize potential but maintain cautious investments; Pragmatists (70%), who invest when they see evident value and low risk; and Trailblazers (15%), who drive complete transformations by investing decisively and dedicating more than eight hours weekly to their own AI training. Trailblazer CEOs allocate 60% of their AI budget to organizational training and upskill over 65% of their workforce, double that of other archetypes.

Agentic AI emerges as the protagonist of 2026. 90% of CEOs believe AI agents will enable measurable returns this year, allocating more than 30% of their total AI investment to this technology. Trailblazers invest over 50% of their AI budget in agents and double the likelihood of deploying agents end-to-end.

This document is essential for business leaders, technology executives, corporate strategy managers, and professionals interested in understanding how AI is transforming global business management.

Key points

• Investment doubled: Companies allocate 1.7% of revenues to AI in 2026, double that of 2025
• Long-term commitment: 94% will continue investing without immediate returns
• CEOs take control7: 2% are now the main AI decision-makers (2x vs 2025)
• Leadership at risk: 50% of CEOs believe their position depends on AI success
• Three CEO archetypes: Followers (15%), Pragmatists (70%), and Trailblazers (15%)
• Trailblazers invest more: They dedicate 8+ hours weekly to training and upskill 65% of their workforce
• Agentic AI as priority: 90% expect measurable returns in 2026; over 30% of budget goes to agents
• East-West gap: Asian CEOs more confident (73-76%) than Western ones (44-61%)
• Technology leads investment: Tech sector (2.1%), financial (2.0%), and insurance (1.9%)
• Global study: 2,360 executives from 16 markets, including 640 CEOs