"AI success does not come from technology – it comes from maturity, leadership, and clear decisions."
The path to AI maturity
Opportunities and challenges
How can companies develop their AI maturity in a targeted manner and successfully anchor AI in their strategy and everyday operations? Which skills and structures are crucial? And how can AI be used responsibly in the tension between innovation, leadership, and digital sovereignty? The AI at Scale study sheds light on these questions based on the assessments of over 1,000 business decision-makers from various industries. The study shows how companies use AI, where they stand today, and what course they need to set now to remain competitive in the long term. The results are intended to provide guidance, open up perspectives, and provide concrete actions for the next steps on the path to AI maturity. Laurenz Kirchner (valantic) & Dr. Sven Jung (Handelsblatt Research Institute)
"AI determines competitiveness. Those who hesitate now risk falling behind."
Key Results
AI is the most important technology for business success in the next five years
Only around a third of companies are truly ready for AI today.
Four out of five companies do not see long-term competitiveness without AI
The AI at Scale Study is an annual study published by valantic, Handelsblatt, and techconsult.
It analyzes how companies in the DACH region use artificial intelligence—and what this means for competitiveness, leadership, and work.
Based on a survey of 1,000 C-level and senior decision-makers, the study shows that AI is no longer a topic for the future. It has become a decisive factor for growth, resilience, and long-term business success.
I don't believe that companies will be able to remain competitive in the future without using AI. The technology is absolutely central and will manifest itself everywhere in companies. No one will be able to exempt themselves from this.
Gunnar Weider, SVP Enterprise Architecture, Evonik Industries AG
