Growing divide on AI implementation between executives and employees puts success at risk
Executives in the Asia-Pacific region are entering 2026 with optimism for growth and a continued focus on artificial intelligence, according to new research from Accenture.
The findings, published today in Accenture’s Pulse of Change report ahead of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, also reveal a widening gap between leaders and employees when it comes to AI readiness and confidence.
Confidence in growth and hiring
Although the majority (75%) of business leaders in the Asia-Pacific region anticipate a higher level of change in 2026, nearly nine out of 10 (88%) expect strong revenue growth in their domestic and international markets.
The generally positive outlook is reflected in hiring plans, with 71% saying they intend to increase their workforce.
Acceleration in AI investment
A vast majority (86%) of Asia-Pacific organizations expect to increase their AI investments in 2026, with two out of three executives (65%) convinced that AI will substantially or even completely transform their organization’s business model and processes.
Three out of four leaders (76%) recognize that AI is more valuable for revenue growth than cost reduction. More specifically, the top three areas where CXOs believe AI will add the most value in 2026 are accelerating creativity in product and service innovation, revenue growth or new market opportunities, and operational efficiency and cost reduction.
Almost all organizations (96%) are either experimenting with, piloting projects, or actively deploying AI agents to improve functional processes.
Workforce concerns highlight AI divide
As the workforce increasingly experiences AI, there is growing recognition of its impact. Eight out of 10 executives (78%) believe that AI creates business impact, while six out of 10 employees (59%) agree.
When it comes to scaling AI, investing in a strong data and technology foundation remains the most important priority for more than 60% of executives. Fewer than 30% of executives consider helping their workforce adapt to the changing environment a top priority.
While executives agree that a shortage of skilled talent is a concern, almost all (94%) believe their organization’s workforce has the foundational training needed to use AI efficiently. Only seven out of 10 employees (69%) agree, and just one third (32%) say they can use AI tools confidently.
About the Pulse of Change
The Accenture Pulse of Change is a quarterly C-suite survey examining how business, talent, and technology trends are shaping change. For this edition, Accenture surveyed 3,650 executives and 3,350 employees globally, including 790 executives and 687 employees across Asia-Pacific, from large organizations with revenues exceeding $500 million across 20 industries and 20 countries. The survey was conducted between November and December 2025 and explores drivers of disruption, preparedness for change, and emerging technologies such as AI and generative AI, as well as their impact on talent.
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