EY Survey: CEOs Report AI Productivity Gains, But Only 16% Track ROI Clearly

Nearly a quarter of CEOs say their companies struggle to convert AI-driven productivity gains into measurable financial results, according to EY's latest CEO Outlook Survey released October 1, 2026. Half of the 1,200 CEOs surveyed across 21 countries in August and September cited AI as the biggest driver of material productivity gains over the past 12 months, ahead of business-process redesign at 46%. However, only 16% said they have clear, real-time visibility into AI return on investment. About 48% of respondents are redirecting added capacity toward growth, innovation and transformation, while 23% said productivity improvements are being absorbed by operational complexity, regulatory requirements and risk management. "Productivity alone is not a strategy," said Andrea Guerzoni, EY-Parthenon global vice chair. The findings highlight the challenge of realizing stronger growth and profitability from AI investments.