Article by Nadine Soyez.

In my work with companies across various industries, I see recurring patterns in how organisations are approaching their AI journey:

1. Many start by experimenting with individual tools, but without a clear strategic framework or goal.
2. Others are unsure about how to effectively integrate AI into existing workflows.

 While these starting points are understandable, they often lead to missed opportunities and inefficient use of resources.

 

What I’m Observing in Organisations Right Now

Based on my ongoing work with clients, several common trends have become apparent:

• Employees are already using AI tools – often without coordination with IT or leadership.
• 80% of AI implementation projects fail when there’s no structured preparation or maturity assessment.
• In many companies, over 40% of AI spending overlaps due to lack of visibility or alignment. 

These insights show that AI adoption must go beyond technical implementation – it requires organisational readiness and a strategic foundation.

 

Why Strategic Integration Is Essential

 

Successful companies treat AI not as a stand-alone technology project, but as an integral part of their overall business strategy.

 There are two different approaches in practice: Some organisations define clear goals and responsibilities early on, while others start with exploratory pilots. Both can be valid, but long-term success depends on combining hands-on application with a strategic roadmap.

What Does an AI Roadmap Look Like?

A successful strategic approach starts with a clear AI roadmap. Organisations that succeed with AI initiatives typically work with a phased, structured plan, rather than relying on ad hoc experimentation alone.

A good AI roadmap typically includes:

Vision and Strategic Objectives

What role should AI play in your business model? This phase defines why the organization is pursuing AI – whether it’s to increase efficiency, enable new services, reduce risk, or improve customer experience. don’t forget to set KPIs to track impact.

 

Readiness Assessment

Where do you stand today? This step involves assessing your current maturity across several dimensions. Great when you receive benchmark data to get a hint where you stand in your industry.

 

Governance and Principles

How will AI be managed and used responsibly? This includes setting policies for the ethical use of AI, data privacy and security, roles and responsibilities

 

Use Case Prioritisation

Where can AI create value first for you? Organisations often start with 3–5 high-impact, feasible use cases. 

 

Capability and Skill Development

How will people be empowered to work with AI? Investing in employee training and supporting “AI champions” within teams is essential. Adoption increases significantly when employees understand how AI supports (not replaces) their work. 

  

 

A Structured Starting Point: AI Maturity Assessment

 

We encourage companies to have a strategic plan for AI, but starting fast with the next practical steps. A valuable first step – or a checkpoint for ongoing initiatives – is a structured AI Maturity Assessment. It provides:

• A clear view of your organisation’s current use of AI
• Insights into strengths, gaps, and untapped potential
• An industry-specific benchmark for orientation

 This allows companies to identify the right next steps, prioritise initiatives, and embed AI within a broader strategic context.

 

Learn more about our AI Maturity Assessment here.