Companies generate value from AI now - here's how - ZDNET

More than half of companies are now generating value from AI, according to BCG’s 2026 Applied AI Index. The survey of more than 1,300 CXOs and senior leaders across 20 industries found 50% of firms have moved from experimentation toward production deployment, with “most AI-mature” players—labeled “future-built”—showing 2.4 times more top-line growth. BCG says sector doesn’t determine AI maturity, and predicts process redesign—not just better AI tools—will be the main value lever, with future-built companies expecting 70% of AI value to come from reshaping and inventing business processes. The report also notes 42% of firms expect AI agents to act autonomously by 2030, alongside a hybrid workforce. Separately, BCG finds tech/IT and R&D are leading drivers of AI value, while maturity gaps between leaders and laggards can be significant.