A new global study by the IBM (NYSE: IBM) Institute for Business Value reveals enterprise data strategies are rapidly evolving as organizations race to scale AI across their business. The findings suggest that while Chief Data Officers (CDOs) are at the helm of this transformation, many say their data is still not ready to unlock AI's full potential.

Based on insights from 1,700 CDOs worldwide, the study* highlights a widening gap between AI ambition and readiness. Although 81% of surveyed CDOs report their organization's data strategy is integrated with its technology roadmap and infrastructure investments --compared to 52% in 2023 -- only 26% are confident their data can support new AI-enabled revenue streams. In addition, barriers such as data accessibility, completeness, integrity, accuracy, and consistency are preventing organizations from fully leveraging enterprise data for AI.

"Enterprise AI at scale is within reach, but success depends on organizations powering it with the right data. For CDOs, this means establishing a seamlessly integrated enterprise data architecture that fuels innovation and unlocks business value," said Ed Lovely, VP and Chief Data Officer, IBM. "Organizations that get this right won't just improve their AI, they'll transform how they operate, make faster decisions, adapt to change more quickly and gain a competitive edge."

Key findings include:

The CDO role is shifting from data custodian to business strategist as proving data's value remains a challenge

AI ambitions remain high amid AI-data gap

A data-driven culture is viewed as essential, but talent gaps may slow progress

To view the full study, visit: https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/report/2025-cdo

*Study MethodologyThe IBM Institute for Business Value, in cooperation with Oxford Economics, surveyed 1,700 senior data and analytics leaders holding titles such as Chief Data Officer, Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Chief Analytics Officer, Chief AI Officer and other senior roles. The survey was conducted across 27 geographies and 19 industries between July and September 2025. Survey topics included data strategy, data standards, quality, and integrity, data governance, data readiness for AI, talent, and organizational culture.

The IBM Institute for Business Value, IBM's thought leadership think tank, combinesglobal research and performance data with expertise from industry thinkers and leading academics to deliver insights that make business leaders smarter. For more world-class thought leadership, visit: www.ibm.com/ibv. To receive more insights, subscribe to the IdeaWatch newsletter: https://ibm.co/ibv-ideawatch. 

About IBMIBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Thousands of government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and consulting deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's long-standing commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service.  Visit www.ibm.com for more information.

Media ContactMarisa ConwayIBM Corporate Communicationsconwaym@us.ibm.com

SOURCE IBM

SOURCE: IBM

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