AI maturity determines whether companies can use AI productively and scalably.
In the study, AI maturity is defined not only by technology, but also by the interplay of strategy, organization, capabilities, and implementation.
The results reveal clear differences: While around one-third of companies have already achieved a high level of AI maturity, the majority are still in transition. A significant proportion continue to show low AI maturity.
AI maturity level
Just over a third of companies with a high level of AI maturity are already well positioned to use AI successfully and create added value.
Another 55 percent are on their way there with medium AI maturity. All that is needed here is a little further development. However, another nine percent still have a long way to go. These companies still lack a strategic view of AI and/or the necessary skills.
Note: Percentage of surveyed company decision-makers who gave the corresponding answers to the two questions "What role does AI play in your corporate strategy?" and "How would you rate your organizational and technical capabilities in the field of AI?"; derivation of AI maturity (high, medium, low).
Source: Handelsblatt Research Institute / valantic (2026)
The automotive and telecommunications industries are leading the way in AI maturity.
Almost half of the companies in these industries are already in a position to use AI with potential for success. The situation is different in manufacturing and logistics, however, where three-fifths of companies only achieve a medium level of AI maturity.
Note: Question: "How strong is the added value of applied AI in processes across all use cases in the following areas?"; percentage of company decision-makers surveyed; some differences from 100 percent are due to rounding.
Source: Handelsblatt Research Institute / valantic (2026)
Many companies overestimate their level of maturity. Only when strategy and capabilities come together does impact occur.
Laurenz Kirchner, valantic
Key Insights
Companies with high AI maturity have firmly anchored AI in their corporate strategy.
