It’s time for AI-nomics
AI has been here for a long time. However, until a few years ago, enterprises primarily focused on predictive and interpretive AI, for the regular ‘user’ and for the large part of business functions within organizations, this was somewhat below the radar. But then GenAI hit, an astonishing Aha!-moment for many! After a heady few years of bandwagon jumping and frantic experimentation with GenAI, the business world is collectively waking up to AI’s core challenges – and very tangible possibilities.
When ChatGPT ignited the popular imagination back in 2022, no one wanted to miss out. They may not have been entirely sure what they were missing out on – and that was half the problem. Many early adopters had big expectations and little to no plan. Others had an inkling of what they could achieve but were too cautious. Meanwhile, a select few were diligently doing the groundwork to underpin workable AI foundations that deliver measurable results.
Now the dust has settled, most organizations have caught up – or know how to.
AI is indeed a fundamental driver of business transformation, with countless use cases in virtually all domains. It’s also not a magic bullet. The big lesson of the last few years has been to identify areas of opportunity. Organizations have shifted gears from AI as ‘shiny new thing’ to actual deployment and, above all, demonstrable outcomes. From model development to hybrid infrastructure, it’s all about figuring out what works for your business – then making it happen. ROI is everything. But don’t forget security and ethics, resources, data, infrastructure, and expertise.
To gauge the industry’s progress, Lenovo commissioned in-depth IDC research, including insights from 620 IT and business decision-makers from mid-to-large organizations in Europe and the Middle East.
The result is The CIO Playbook 2025.
Here are some of the highlights…
AI is a sound investment
A staggering 94% of organizations that adopted AI through initial implementations in early stages or pilot projects, or that have already systematically deployed AI across the business, agree that AI has met or exceeded expectations. EMEA IT and business decision-makers report the highest levels of AI satisfaction globally. These organizations are not slowing down; they are doubling down.
AI spending is set to more than double in 2025. Organizations plan to allocate almost 20% of their IT budgets to AI initiatives this year. This represents a significant shift when considering that the majority of IT budgets are typically dedicated to maintaining existing operations. The rapid increase in investment demonstrates a clear commitment to leveraging AI for operational efficiency, customer insights, and competitive advantage.
Top AI priorities for 2025
Leading AI adopters get the fundamentals right. This year, they’re focusing investment on three core areas to form a future-proof foundation for AI innovation.
- AI Model Development and Management – Building and refining AI models to enhance business processes.
- AI Platforms – Investing in robust platforms that facilitate AI deployment and integration.
- Infrastructure for AI – Developing the necessary computing power and storage solutions to support AI initiatives.
Of all the infrastructure options, two lead the way…
Hybrid and on-prem are the go-to choice
In response, 65% of AI adopters prefer to deploy AI workloads in hybrid or on-premises environments. On-prem deployments offer enhanced control, while hybrid incorporates the advantages of the cloud: flexibility, collaboration, and scalability. Organizations are creating the perfect balance to meet data privacy, security, and sovereignty requirements while unleashing the power to drive demanding AI workloads.
Generative / Agentic AI is the current and next big thing – but don’t forget the rest
Generative AI (GenAI) is rapidly gaining traction, with 43% of organizations planning to invest in GenAI use cases within the next 12 months. Business leaders, in particular, recognize the wide-ranging potential of GenAI. Top use cases include:
- IT Operations – service automation to FinOps
- Marketing – web marketing and marketing operations
- Supply Chain Management – factory floor, warehousing and inventory
- Research & Development – discovering, designing, and developing new products
- Cybersecurity – securing applications and overall operations
However, GenAI won’t replace other forms of AI. In fact, predictive and interpretative AI accounted for the bulk of attention in previous years, and organizations will continue to increase their investments in these tried-and-tested technologies through 2025 and beyond.
Empowering the workforce with AI-powered PCs
AI isn’t just the preserve of specialist teams. It can and should add value for general users in day-to-day operations. Hence, AI-powered devices are poised for widespread adoption, enhancing user experience and boosting output.
43% of organizations believe that AI-powered devices will improve employee productivity, and 25% are already piloting AI-powered PC rollouts. The rest aren’t far behind, with just under two-thirds of organizations planning to integrate AI-powered PCs into their ecosystem in 2025.
With Lenovo’s AI-powered PCs, businesses can equip their workforce with intelligent devices designed for efficiency, security, and seamless AI integration.
Addressing barriers to AI adoption
35% of EMEA organizations surveyed have not adopted AI but are evaluating or planning AI investments. Good news. But why the delay? The gap between AI adopters and non-adopters is not due to a lack of interest. Far from it. Instead, organizations cite uncertainty around execution as the primary barrier.
As everyone knows, AI is only as good as your data. Many business users believe they haven’t got enough. In most cases, organizations have more data than they need to get started – it’s just in the wrong format, unorganized and/or trapped in silos. Then there’s the age-old question of security. Both business and IT leaders express valid concerns about data protection and compliance. For companies looking to navigate these foundational challenges, Lenovo offers a range of AI services, from AI Discover workshops aiming at assessing AI readiness and identifying use cases, to AI advisory and fast start services giving your AI journey a kickstart.
You don’t have to do it alone
Getting AI done right in your organization can be pretty complex, and it requires specialist insight and experience to develop and deploy. Many organizations lack in-house expertise, and talented individuals are in short supply. Fortunately, help is at hand. Organizations are increasingly turning to professional services to scale their AI initiatives. 27% already use external suppliers in some capacity, and 72% are exploring or planning to leverage these services in the near future.
Lenovo AI Services provide expert guidance, enabling organizations to deploy, optimize, and scale AI effectively.
The time for AI is now
The lessons from the CIO Playbook 2025 are clear. Forget the hype. If you want to unlock AI’s true potential, it’s time to get strategic. Organizations who invest wisely in AI today will lead tomorrow’s competitive landscape. With the proper infrastructure, professional support, and AI-powered devices, businesses can end both pipe-dreams and doubt alike to make real, productivity and revenue boosting impacts in months, not years.