AI Is Reshaping Business, but Companies Struggle to Profit

AI is transforming business: companies have not yet learnt how to turn technology into profit

Companies and authorities are as yet unsure how to prepare for the next stage in the development of artificial intelligence (AI), which could transform established business models and revenue streams. Businesses will have to do more than simply adopt new technologies; they will need to rethink the very principles underpinning their operations. This was stated by the renowned Chinese futurist Chen Qiufan.

Chen Qiufan

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According to the report, the impact of AI on the economy affects virtually all traditional sectors, reports RBC. Business leaders and government officials are trying to understand how to utilise new technologies and restructure their businesses so as not to be left behind in the next phase of technological development.

“I regularly speak with businesspeople, politicians and entrepreneurs. And I can see that they do not have a clear answer, nor a clear understanding of the path they need to take to adapt themselves so that they are ready for the next stage,” noted the futurologist.

Chen Qiufan believes that this involves a more profound transformation: a shift from data-driven business models to models in which artificial intelligence will play a key role. This will require a re-evaluation of how companies are organised and the structure of their revenue streams.

AI is widening the gap between companies

International research also indicates that it is still difficult for businesses to translate the implementation of AI into tangible financial results.

According to a PwC study published in April 2026, around 20 per cent of companies account for 74 per cent of the total economic return from artificial intelligence. Leading companies stand out because they use the technology not only to reduce costs, but also to identify new growth opportunities and transform their business models. The study involved 1,200 company executives from 25 sectors.

McKinsey identified a similar gap. According to its study, published in August 2026, 80 per cent of employees surveyed believe that AI has increased their personal productivity. However, only 37 per cent of respondents reported that the use of the technology has already had a positive impact on their companies’ financial results. Only around 6 per cent of organisations are among the most successful in terms of returns on AI.

At the same time, the transition from experimentation to full-scale implementation remains a challenging task. According to data from the Citi Institute for September 2026, nearly 60 per cent of the companies surveyed are still at the stage of exploring AI or conducting pilot projects. Only 40 per cent have moved on to the industrial use of the technology or scaling up its application.

The analysis also shows that business priorities are shifting: the transformation of business models has moved to the top of the list of objectives for investment in AI, ahead of improving operational efficiency.

In a study prepared jointly with Accenture, the World Economic Forum also highlights the need for a more profound restructuring of companies. This involves reviewing work processes, decision-making systems and organisational models, rather than simply adding new digital tools.

This story was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence.The translation was also reviewed by the Logos Press editorial team.

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