Unveiling the Strategies of AI-Powered Companies Dominating the Market

Many organizations are still navigating the implementation of AI in a practical and consistent manner. However, a select few have emerged as frontrunners in this field. Recent research conducted by NTT DATA has unveiled a playbook that details how these “AI leaders” distinguish themselves through well-defined strategies, decisive actions, and a disciplined approach to integrating and utilizing AI throughout their businesses.

The insights are derived from a survey of 2,567 senior executives spanning 35 countries and 15 industries. Only 15% of the surveyed organizations met the criteria to be recognized as AI leaders. These companies share common characteristics: a clear understanding of AI’s role in their operations, a robust operational framework, and a commitment to consistent implementation. Additionally, they reported higher revenue growth and more robust profit margins compared to their counterparts.

Yutaka Sasaki, President and CEO of NTT DATA Group, succinctly stated: “AI accountability has now become a boardroom priority, necessitating a comprehensive organizational agenda. Our research demonstrates that a small cohort of AI leaders are leveraging AI to differentiate themselves, drive growth, and revolutionize the collaboration between humans and machines.”

The strategy underlying effective AI plans

One of the key distinctions between leaders and other organizations lies in their strategic approach. For these leading companies, AI is not merely an adjunct project or an add-on tool to existing processes. Instead, they view it as a fundamental catalyst for growth and tailor their strategies accordingly.

An essential advantage for these leaders is their close alignment of AI initiatives with their business objectives. This alignment enables them to move swiftly and maintain focus, resulting in superior financial performance. They prioritize a few high-impact areas within the business rather than dispersing resources indiscriminately. By restructuring entire workflows around AI, they unlock greater value than by making incremental enhancements across various parts of the organization.

The report characterizes this as a virtuous cycle: initial investments yield early successes, which in turn spur further investment. Over time, this cycle becomes self-reinforcing. Leaders also revamp critical applications with embedded AI, as opposed to merely adding basic AI functionalities to legacy systems. This strategy enables them to achieve more profound impacts and position the organization for sustained benefits.

Implementation of AI strategies by leaders

A well-crafted plan is only effective when supported by robust execution. AI leaders distinguish themselves through the foundational structures they establish, the support provided to their workforce, and their efforts to foster adoption across the entire organization.

These organizations invest in secure and scalable systems capable of accommodating extensive AI workloads. In some instances, they realign or localize their infrastructure to cater to private or sovereign AI requirements. They also work towards eliminating system bottlenecks to facilitate seamless operations.

Rather than using AI to supplant employees, leaders leverage it to empower skilled professionals to engage in higher-value tasks. This “expert-first” approach allows teams to exercise their judgment while delegating complex or time-intensive tasks to AI.

AI leaders also emphasize adoption as a long-term transformational endeavor. They view it as a company-wide shift, supported by transparent communication and structured change management. This approach minimizes resistance and encourages consistent utilization of AI at all organizational levels.

Effective governance represents another differentiator. Leading organizations centralize their AI oversight, assign clear responsibilities to senior roles such as Chief AI Officers, and establish processes that strike a balance between innovation and risk management. These systems empower them to scale AI initiatives with confidence.

Strategic partnerships play a pivotal role as well. Top-tier companies often engage external experts and are receptive to collaborations that link outcomes to mutual success. This collaborative approach accelerates their progress while keeping their objectives in sight.

Abhijit Dubey, CEO and CAIO of NTT DATA, Inc., summarized the forward trajectory: “Once AI and business strategies are aligned, the most impactful step is to select one or two domains that offer disproportionate value and completely redesign them with AI integration. Supporting this focused, end-to-end approach with robust governance, modern infrastructure, and trusted partners is how today’s AI leaders are translating pilot projects into profitable ventures and forging ahead in the market.”

(Photo by Igor Omilaev)

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