The global landscape is witnessing an unprecedented acceleration of digital transformation. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to gain traction, both generative and discriminative AI technologies have moved from the realm of early adopters to widespread integration across industries. This shift marks 2024 into 2025 as the “year of adoption,” with Forrester reporting that 90% of senior decision-makers plan to implement AI this year. The potential productivity gains are monumental, echoing historical leaps seen during the introduction of steam power and electrification.
Studies by leading organizations like McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, PwC, MIT, and Stanford estimate productivity improvements of 35%-50% through AI adoption. These gains underscore AI’s capacity to enhance operational efficiency by enabling organizations to achieve more at a faster pace and lower cost. However, realizing these benefits requires more than technological adoption—it demands a fundamental shift in mindset and culture.
Infor’s research report delves into these challenges and opportunities, providing actionable insights backed by comprehensive data. The findings highlight how high-performing organizations are leading the way by anticipating future trends, embracing cultural agility, and aligning technology strategies with their broader goals. By fostering clarity of vision and purpose, these organizations set themselves apart through proactive innovation and sustainable growth.
Addressing the Value Void
Despite the promise of AI and digital automation, many industries face a growing “value void.” This gap emerges when new technological advancements drive urgent action disconnected from core business strategies. The result? Organizations often chase short-term gains while missing opportunities to achieve sustained value.
Compounding this challenge is the widening digital divide. Organizations that swiftly adopt and integrate new technologies gain a significant competitive edge, while slower responders risk being left behind. Navigating this disruptive landscape requires a balanced approach that transcends hype, focusing instead on tangible outcomes that align with strategic priorities.
Research Methodology: Uncovering What Works
To illuminate the path forward, Infor conducted one of the largest global research surveys of its kind. Engaging over 3,600 respondents from 15 countries and seven industries, the survey captured insights from a diverse range of stakeholders, including CEOs and enterprise software users. This comprehensive study sought to identify the behaviors and strategies of high-performing organizations that excel at digital transformation.
Key findings from the research include:
- Core Business Velocity: High performers focus on aligning digital transformation initiatives with their core operational objectives, ensuring that technology adoption directly supports their mission.
- Cultural Agility: These organizations prioritize mindset and cultural shifts, fostering adaptability and collaboration across teams.
- Strategic Technology Integration: Leaders move beyond adopting technology for its own sake, instead integrating it strategically to unlock long-term value.
Pragmatic Insights and Actionable Measures
The report goes beyond analysis, offering pragmatic advice and actionable measures that organizations can apply immediately. By distilling the behaviors of top performers, it provides a roadmap for leveraging AI and digital technologies to drive measurable outcomes. Key recommendations include:
- Assess and Align: Evaluate current digital transformation efforts to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
- Invest in Culture: Develop a culture of innovation and adaptability, empowering teams to embrace change.
- Focus on Data Readiness: Build a robust data infrastructure to enable informed decision-making and predictive insights.
- Navigate Disruption Strategically: Approach emerging technologies with a clear focus on solving specific pain points and creating value.
Conclusion: Making Possible Happen
The findings in this report underscore that the greatest challenge in digital transformation isn’t technology itself but the organizational readiness to derive value from it. Success hinges on adopting a mindset of continuous improvement, cultural agility, and a clear vision of how to harness technology to achieve both profit and purpose.
For organizations ready to embrace this transformative era, the rewards are significant: sustainable growth, enhanced efficiency, and a future-ready posture that anticipates and adapts to change. With the insights and strategies outlined in this report, Infor invites you to discover how possible happens—not by waiting for change, but by actively shaping it.