Trend Study by valantic: Digital 2030 – The Rise of Applied AI

On the Path to Success: Over Two-Thirds of Companies See Measurable Value from AI Applications

Munich, March 4, 2025: While most C-level decision-makers regard successfully integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in business applications as a top priority over the next five years, 70% of companies in the DACH region are also already reaping measurable benefits from AI-powered solutions. These insights stem from the latest trend study, “Digital 2030 – The Rise of Applied AI”, conducted by leading digital consulting, solutions and software house valantic in cooperation with Handelsblatt Research Institute (HRI). 

Around 700 decision-makers from companies in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland shared their perspectives on the role of emerging technologies in their company’s success over the next five years. The findings reveal that, despite last year’s peak in the hype surrounding generative AI, 79% of the respondents see it as a key priority and crucial to their business success through to 2030. This positions AI among the top three digitalization trends over the next five years, alongside cybersecurity technologies (81%) and cloud computing (80%). In contrast, earlier tech megatrends like the metaverse and blockchain have slipped to the bottom of the trend ranking. 

However, valantic’s C-level survey with HRI went beyond identifying current priorities, also focusing on the tangible value companies are already deriving from AI in their business processes (Applied AI). The results highlight significant progress, with 70% of companies reporting measurable business benefits from AI applications—including efficiency gains, cost and material savings, and increased revenue and profitability. 

Key AI Use Cases: Quality Control and Document Management 

The study also explored which AI use cases are most relevant for business integration and which departments benefit the most. AI is being deployed across an increasing number of applications, with the highest potential seen in IT (64%), research and development (29%), logistics (25%), production processes (25%), and communication and marketing (25%). Among specific use cases, automated quality control and document and data management emerge as top priorities. Additionally, supply chain optimization and customer service automation rank high among the most impactful AI-driven applications. 

The study additionally examines the key success factors that C-level decision-makers view as critical for AI project success. Findings suggest that technological and workforce-related challenges have been successfully moderated in recent years, and the focus has now shifted toward strategic and structural aspects of AI adoption. Beyond establishing a suitable data basis, effective governance of AI initiatives and close collaboration between data teams, technology experts, and business departments are seen as crucial. 

AI on the Path to Success, but Holistic Transformation Still Lies Ahead 

Dr. Sven Jung, survey director at Handelsblatt Research Institute, says: “Our joint study with valantic confirms our theory— AI remains a relevant technology trend, even though the hype surrounding GenAI peaked last year. In this respect, hype and trend diverge: Many companies seem to have started and established successful use cases in the past one to two years. While much work is still needed to achieve holistic transformation, AI is clearly on the path to success, with measurable benefits increasingly emerging.” 

Laurenz Kirchner, Managing Director and Data & AI Practice Lead at valantic, says: “The study results highlight the numerous opportunities for companies to generate substantial business benefits with Applied AI. We now see examples of profitable use cases across nearly all areas of business. For AI to succeed in a business context, it’s crucial that decision-makers focus on the key success factors during the AI transformation. Our study offers valuable insights to support this.” 

Study Design Overview   

The study results are based on an extensive quantitative and qualitative survey of approximately 700 decision-makers from companies in the DACH region. The majority of respondents were C-level executives from companies with over 500 employees.   

The survey focused on a range of industries, including automotive, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, food and beverage production, retail and consumer goods, manufacturing, telecommunications, transportation and logistics, and utilities. The survey’s findings were qualitatively enriched and refined through six in-depth personal interviews with C-level representatives from companies across various industries.