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The Strategy Digest / Harvard Business Review

7 Factors That Drive Returns on AI Investments, According to a New Survey

Harvard Business Review · Article · 17 Mar 2026 · Empirical research · Paywalled · Editor's rating: No stars

AI returns depend on a set of identifiable organizational factors, and many firms now report substantial value from their investments.

Summary

Davenport and Srinivasan note that boards increasingly demand evidence of AI returns and that many CIOs expect budget cuts without it. Through interviews with 12 AI leaders and a survey of 1,006 senior executives, they found surprisingly positive results, with 45% reporting a great deal of value. They identify seven factors that drive returns on AI investments and explain how companies can forecast AI's impact.

Editor's opinion

AI returns depend on a set of identifiable organizational factors, and many firms now report substantial value from their investments.

Key concepts

AI return drivers · Value measurement · Budget pressure

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