Here's When CEOs Expect to See Financial Returns on Artificial Intelligence

Despite all the hype about artificial intelligence, most executives expect that it will take years before the cutting-edge technology gives their businesses a financial lift. Their long-term view was laid out by consulting firm KPMG in a recent survey of 400 executives, all of whom had artificial intelligence projects in progress within their companies. The executives generally said that it would take some time before artificial intelligence pays dividends, signaling a growing realization that the technology won't have the quick impact that many had initially hoped for. Just over half of the executives surveyed, 51%, said it will take three-to-five years before their A.I. projects create a "significant return on investment." That's in sharp contrast to last year's survey, in which only 28% said it would take that long--highlighting how much executives have reconsidered their initial rosy expectations.