AXIOS January 18, 2026
AI Investment is Shifting From Cost Savings to Fueling Innovation
Executives predict a major pivot in how companies will spend on artificial intelligence over the next four years.
- A new global survey reveals a significant shift in AI investment strategies.
- 64% of executives anticipate AI’s primary value will stem from innovation, not just efficiency, by 2030.
- The study, involving C-suite leaders, suggests AI will fundamentally redefine businesses.
Companies are bracing for a future where artificial intelligence isn’t just about streamlining operations—it’s about unlocking entirely new possibilities. A recent global survey of C-suite executives conducted by the Institute for Business Value found that most anticipate AI spending to shift over the next four years from efficiency gains to a new wave of innovation. This suggests a fundamental change in how businesses view the technology’s potential.
The Innovation Imperative
According to the survey, 64% of the executives believe that by 2030, their competitive advantage from AI will come from innovation rather than resource optimization. This isn’t simply about doing things faster or cheaper; it’s about creating things that weren’t possible before.
“AI won’t just support businesses, it will define them,” said Mohamad Ali, SVP of IBM Consulting, discussing the 63-page study, “The enterprise in 2030.” The report is slated for release alongside the opening of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on Monday.
Ali further explained that, “By 2030, the companies that win will weave AI into every decision and operation. They will own powerful AI assets, move…
What kind of AI investments will drive innovation? The study points to areas like personalized customer experiences, new product development, and the creation of entirely new business models.
The findings underscore a growing recognition that AI’s true power lies not just in automating existing tasks, but in enabling breakthroughs that were previously unimaginable. As AI technology continues to evolve, businesses are preparing to leverage it as a core driver of growth and differentiation.
2026-01-18T18:00:20-05:00
