In fewer than 70 years, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved from a scientific concept to a societal constant.
Computer scientist John McCarthy coined the term “artificial intelligence” in 1955, proposing that, “every aspect of learning … can in principle be so precisely described that a machine can be made to simulate it.”
Today, so much of what we take for granted in our daily lives stems from machine learning. Every time you use a wayfinding app to get from point A to point B, use dictation to convert speech to text, or unlock your phone using face ID … you’re relying on AI. And companies across industries are also relying on—and investing in—AI to drive logistics, improve customer service, increase efficiency,
empower employees and so much more.
Despite these ever-expanding use cases, when it comes to making the most of AI’s full potential and their own investments, most organizations are barely scratching the surface.
In fact, only 12% of firms have advanced their AI maturity enough to achieve superior growth and business transformation, according to Accenture’s extensive analysis of approximately 1,200 companies globally. We call them the “AI Achievers.”
Another 25% of firms are somewhat advanced in their level of AI maturity, while the remaining 63% (the majority) are still
mostly testing the waters.
This journey to AI maturity has been in high gear for years. Pre-pandemic (2019), AI Achievers already enjoyed 50% greater revenue growth on average, compared with their peers. And in 2021, among executives of the world’s 2,000 largest companies (by market capitalization), those who discussed AI on their earnings calls were 40% more likely to see their firms’ share prices increase—up from 23% in 2018, according to analysis by Accenture.
