Highlights 

  • 66% of surveyed executives in EMEA report notable productivity improvements through AI adoption. 
  • 41% expect to achieve returns on AI investments within 12 months. 
  • 85% emphasize interoperability, transparency, and flexibility in AI systems. 

A recent IBM (NYSE:IBM) report finds that organizations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa are experiencing measurable productivity growth from adopting artificial intelligence. Many expect to see returns on their AI investments within the next year.  

The findings show that 66% of respondents reported significant operational productivity improvements from AI deployment. Around 20% said their organizations have already met their ROI goals from AI projects, while another 42% expect to do so within 12 months. 

Larger Organizations Leading in AI Productivity Gains 

The report indicates that larger enterprises are seeing greater benefits from AI than smaller firms. Among large organizations with 1,001–5,000 employees, 72% reported productivity improvements, compared to 55% of small and medium-sized enterprises. Similarly, public sector entities remain in earlier stages of AI adoption, with only 55% citing major productivity gains. 

The business functions showing the strongest improvements include software development and IT (32%), customer service (32%), and procurement (27%). Respondents identified key benefits such as higher operational efficiency (55%), better decision-making (50%), and automation of repetitive processes (48%). 

AI Enabling Business Transformation Across EMEA 

Of the organizations reporting productivity improvements, 24% said AI has led to fundamental changes in their business models. Approximately 36% noted that AI has accelerated innovation cycles, while 32% are moving toward continuous, AI-based decision-making. Another 32% said they are redesigning value streams around AI rather than automating existing workflows. 

Nearly half (48%) of senior leaders stated that AI is augmenting workforce capabilities, enabling employees to dedicate more time to strategy, innovation, and creative initiatives. 

Ana Paula Assis, Senior Vice President and Chair, IBM EMEA and Growth Markets, said: 

“The true value of AI for business goes far beyond individual productivity – it's about strategic transformation. Our research suggests that, while we are still in the foothills of AI adoption, enterprises in EMEA are seeing meaningful productivity gains from infusing AI into their operations, with many redesigning their business models. On the question of technology autonomy, the response was emphatic: enterprises want to use technology on their terms, with transparency, choice and flexibility baked in.” 

Openness, Transparency, and Flexibility Key to AI Adoption 

The report emphasizes that open and interoperable systems are essential for scaling AI effectively. About 85% of respondents said transparency in AI systems is critical for ethical and responsible use, while 84% highlighted the need for interoperability to ensure smooth integration into existing IT environments. Similarly, 85% valued the flexibility to choose and adapt AI solutions as organizational needs evolve. 

Despite the progress, 68% of respondents cited data security, privacy, and ethical concerns as major barriers to scaling AI solutions. Another 68% pointed to IT complexity, including integration challenges with legacy systems, as a key obstacle. 

IBM Overview 

IBM (NYSE:IBM) is a global provider of hybrid cloud, AI, and consulting expertise, serving clients in over 175 countries. The company supports both governments and enterprises in critical sectors through its AI and cloud platforms, maintaining a focus on transparency, trust, and responsible innovation.