IBM Study Reveals AI's Shift from Efficiency to Innovation
TECHNOLOGY
New research from the IBM (NYSE: IBM) Institute for Business Value reveals that nearly eight in ten (79%) surveyed executives expect AI will significantly contribute to their revenue by 2030.
A new global study from the IBM Institute for Business Value indicates that by 2030, AI will no longer be a supporting tool but the core engine of enterprise growth.
The report, which surveyed 2,000 C-suite executives across 20 industries, highlights a massive pivot in how companies are investing their capital and their trust.
From Cost-Cutting to Revenue Generation
While much of the current AI hype focuses on "efficiency," the study predicts a dramatic shift in spending. Today, nearly half (47%) of AI spend is dedicated to efficiency; however, by 2030, executives expect 62% of AI spend will be focused on innovation.
The stakes are high: 79% of surveyed executives expect AI to significantly contribute to their revenue by 2030 (up from 40% today). However, a "clarity gap" remains, as only 24% currently have a clear view of exactly where that new revenue will come from.
The Rise of Small Language Models (SLMs)
While Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT have dominated the early 2020s, the roadmap to 2030 looks different.
Multi-Model Future: 82% of respondents expect their AI capabilities to be multi-model by 2030.
Efficiency and Customization: 72% of executives expect Small Language Models (SLMs) to surpass LLMs in utility, as businesses look for smaller, custom, and more secure foundation models.
Impact: Organizations scaling these custom models anticipate 55% higher operating margins compared to those stuck in a one-size-fits-all approach.
Redefining Leadership and the Workforce
The study suggests that by 2030, the "skills gap" may be solved not by training alone, but by a radical redesign of work.
Obsolete Skills: 57% of executives expect most current employee skills to be obsolete by 2030.
Mindset Over Skillset: 67% of respondents believe a candidate’s "mindset" will matter more than their technical skills in five years.
AI at the Board Table: By 2030, a quarter of enterprise boards are expected to have an AI advisor or co-decision maker.
“AI won't just support businesses, it will define them,” said Mohamad Ali, Senior Vice President at IBM Consulting. “The companies that win will weave AI into every decision and operation.”
The "Innovation Reinvestment" Cycle
For brand strategists and business leaders, the most important data point in this study is the reinvestment plan. 70% of executives plan to take the productivity gains generated by AI and reinvest them directly into growth initiatives. This creates a "flywheel effect" where AI creates the time and capital needed to disrupt markets. In 2026, the question isn't whether AI can save you money; it’s whether you are prepared to spend those savings on the next big thing.