AI’s trillion-dollar opportunity: Why it's time to act

As massive investments and advancements in AI drive innovation and economic change globally, industries are experiencing a significant shift in how they operate and compete. The capital infusion into AI and its potential impact on the global economy — how’s $19.9 trillion through 2030, according to IDC — has helped to ramp up the pace of new technologies, enabling breakthroughs that were once considered decades away.

The AI Action Summit gave private and public sector stakeholders a necessary forum to discuss — and in some instances even debate — the very rapid pace of innovation and the complexities and opportunities of the new AI era. Additionally, the gathering highlighted the fundamental need for businesses and governments to collaborate with trusted partners who can help them turn technological advances into a competitive edge.

The demand for innovative solutions that streamline operations, bolster security, navigate regulatory changes and drive efficiency has never been more urgent. In fact, Kyndryl’s recent AI Readiness Report shows a clear contrast: 86% of leaders think their AI implementation is top-notch, but only 29% believe it can manage future risks. Despite heavy investments in traditional AI and generative AI, only 42% of business leaders see positive returns on their AI investments. This highlights the need for businesses to not only invest in AI but also to plan and manage these technologies strategically to unlock their full potential.

To get AI ready, businesses should identify use cases where AI can help achieve their goals. They should build strong operational security, focus on human-centered AI design and establish trust in AI across the organization. We believe that adopting a responsible AI governance model — one that focuses on transparency and ethical and security considerations from the beginning — is not only a force for good but also presents an opportunity for organizations to deploy AI at scale.

Kyndryl is well-positioned to help companies prepare for this emerging technology.

In fact, Kyndryl Bridge — our AI-powered, open-integration digital business platform — was recognized as a featured use case for “AI for Efficiency” at the AI Action Summit for its ability to boost efficiency and innovation by optimizing the digital infrastructure of its users. Kyndryl Bridge has powerful capabilities: it integrates data from over 10,000 sources, generating over 13 million insights monthly, leading to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. Since its inception, Kyndryl Bridge has saved our customers over $3 billion and helped organizations become more cyber resilient and meet their sustainability goals. 

Emerging technologies like AI move at an incredibly fast pace that no individual stakeholder can keep up with alone. Yet, I believe global policymakers — especially through constructive industry engagement and events like the AI Action Summit that present an opportunity for dialogue and collaboration — are advancing with the best intentions on behalf of their public and economic interests. 

France issued a call for AI action. It’s time to act. We must take action collectively, responsibly and without hindering innovation.