The future of generative AI in the business

According to a global survey conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), in fact, 75% of the 1,803 C-level executives surveyed listed AI/GenAI among their top three strategic priorities for the year. Additionally, GenAI budgets are expected to increase by 60% between 2025 and 2027, growing from an average of 4. 7% of total IT budgets to approximately 7.6%, as highlighted in BCG’s latest IT spending survey.

A separate survey by a professional services firm found that 68% of organizations plan to invest between $50 million and $250 million in GenAI within the next year, a significant increase from 45% in the previous year. Let’s see now the key trends and technologies that will be shaping GenAI in 2025.

1. Demand for measurable ROI

Organizations are now under pressure to demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) from their GenAI initiatives. While early experimentation yielded mixed financial results, companies are shifting toward structured implementations that deliver tangible benefits. A report commissioned by a major cloud service provider found that 74% of enterprises using GenAI are already experiencing ROI, with another 35% expecting returns within 12 months. Increased employee productivity, improved user experience, and enhanced engagement have been cited as key benefits.

2. Bottom-up adoption of GenAI

While executive leadership is prioritizing AI adoption, frontline employees are increasingly leveraging GenAI to improve productivity. Experts emphasize that organizations should not rely solely on top-down strategies but also empower employees with the tools and knowledge to integrate AI into their daily workflows. Employees who directly engage with operational tasks often identify the most practical AI applications for efficiency gains.