97% of North American companies now use AI, report shows
News provided byAI Leaders Council · 1 min read
The AI Leaders Council has released its 2026 Corporate AI Talent Study, providing insights into the adoption, training, and use of artificial intelligence among organizations in North America. The report, which follows the January 2026 Corporate AI Outlook, reveals a significant increase in AI adoption over just nine months, with 97% of respondents reporting some use of AI, compared to 87% in January. However, only 3% of companies have fully integrated AI across their enterprise, highlighting a gap between initial adoption and widespread implementation.
According to the study, the AI Leaders Council’s framework, AI Adoption Stages™, categorizes different levels of AI deployment. The report also notes that while rapid adoption is evident, workforce readiness and training remain lacking. Only 37% of respondents offer AI training, and 33% have no defined AI talent strategy. These findings underscore the need for companies to address the skill gaps in their workforce as they continue to invest in AI technologies.
Despite concerns about job displacement, the study suggests that widespread job elimination is not a major concern. Only 6% of respondents expect to reduce current headcount, and 4% anticipate hiring external AI specialists. Fifty-one percent of respondents predict no significant impact from AI, while 37% plan to modify existing roles to incorporate AI.
Neil Brown, Executive Director and Board Chair of the AI Leaders Council, stated, "The 2026 Corporate AI Talent study identifies the current state of AI adoption, hiring, training, skills, and related factors that will ultimately drive success or failure in organizations. Our research and expert analysis are designed to assist AI and business professionals as they navigate the complexities of integrating AI into their operations."
The full report is available for download at <https://aileaderscouncil.org/2026-corporate-ai-talent-study/> and can be accessed without charge. Additionally, a complimentary panel discussion on the study is available to view in the events video archive at <https://aileaderscouncil.org/events/2026-state-of-corporate-ai-talent-study-panel-preview/>.