AI Adoption Surges, But ROI and Governance Lag in 2026 ISACA Survey
Event summary
- 90% of digital trust professionals report AI use in their organizations, but only 22% see ROI meeting or exceeding expectations.
- 38% of organizations have formal AI policies, up from 28% in 2025, but 25% still lack any active policy.
- 78% of respondents say AI skills are very or extremely important, up from 72% in 2025.
- Top AI risks cited: misinformation (82%), privacy violations (74%), and social engineering (60%).
- Only 38% are confident in their board’s understanding of AI risks.
The big picture
The 2026 ISACA AI Pulse Poll highlights a disconnect between AI adoption and operational readiness, with governance and ROI lagging behind. As AI becomes embedded in daily workflows, organizations face pressure to balance innovation with disciplined risk management. The survey underscores the need for stronger leadership oversight and ethical AI implementation to ensure long-term success.
What we're watching
- Governance Dynamics
- Whether organizations can accelerate AI policy adoption to match rapid adoption rates.
- ROI Realization
- How long it will take for AI investments to demonstrate clear financial returns.
- Skill Development
- The pace at which AI literacy programs will scale to meet workforce demands.
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