Deltek Study: 91% of Firms Call AI Critical to Success
According to Deltek’s Heather Larkin, top firms connect data and AI to drive returns with 91% of project-based businesses calling AI critical to success
TL;DR
- 91% of project-based firms consider AI critical to their success.
- Over half of surveyed firms are not yet seeing moderate productivity gains or cost savings from AI.
- More than one in five firms forecast profit growth of 10% or more in 2026.
- Cost control has risen as a priority for 34% of firms, up from 26% in 2024.
- Only 22% of businesses have a fully integrated, end-to-end project management system.
- Finance leaders are taking on expanded roles to govern technology and connect data for improved financial outcomes.
- AI offers significant value in project planning, resourcing, performance reporting, billing, and back-office finance operations.
- The highest-performing firms connect financial and project data, embed AI for measurable returns, and treat cyber risk as a financial exposure.