Date: July 21, 2026

Research Report Summary

HCLTech released a global research report titled "The Blueprint for AI Leadership" conducted with Raconteur among 500 enterprise decision-makers. The report reveals a significant gap between AI adoption and business value realization.

Key Findings:

  • 90% of organizations report that GenAI and Agentic AI are transforming workflows
  • 91% of organizations cite improved data access through AI implementation
  • 90% of organizations report productivity gains from AI adoption
  • Only 18% of enterprises say AI is delivering significant revenue impact

AI Leaders vs Followers Analysis:

The study identifies two distinct groups:

AI Leaders (18% of enterprises):

  • Four times more likely to scale agentic and autonomous AI
  • 73% have superior execution in defining measurable use cases (vs 22% of Followers)
  • 63% secure senior leadership sponsorship (vs 36% of Followers)
  • 93% have structured upskilling programs for workforce transformation
  • Have integrated AI into business strategy and built data readiness
  • Embed AI into core workflows and decision-making

AI Followers (82% of enterprises):

  • Remain trapped in incremental gains
  • Evaluate AI through efficiency and cost lenses alone
  • Only 20% have structured upskilling programs
  • Limited ability to compete on differentiated outcomes or scale impact enterprise-wide

Executive Commentary:

Pawan Vadapalli, Corporate Vice President and Global Head, Digital Business Services at HCLTech, stated: "AI has entered a decisive phase, and success will come down to how well organizations bring people, data and technology together. The organizations pulling ahead are not just running more pilots; they are rethinking how the business works, embedding AI into everyday decisions and workflows. It is this coordinated shift across leadership, culture and foundations that turns AI from a tool into real, long-term advantage."

Company Background:

HCLTech is a global technology company with:

  • More than 223,000 people across 60 countries
  • Industry-leading capabilities in AI, digital, engineering, cloud and software
  • Consolidated revenues of $14.8 billion for 12 months ending June 2026
  • Vertical expertise in Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology & Services, Semiconductor, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, Mobility and Public Services