71% of Global Businesses Have Accelerated AI Adoption Amid Tariffs, Inflation and Uncertainty, Finds Economist Study Commissioned by Kinaxis

Executive Summary

• Kinaxis commissioned a global study (“Supply Chain’s Big Bet on AI For Geopolitical Resilience”) showing 71% of companies have accelerated AI deployment due to tariffs, inflation and geopolitical volatility.
• Despite high experimentation (97%), only 20% can make real‑time decisions with AI and just 22% have a defined AI strategy; firms with a strategy are >3× more likely to achieve measurable ROI.
• The study highlights major gaps in AI readiness—particularly around data governance, change management and execution capability—while identifying emerging opportunities for “agentic AI” as the next frontier.

Key Details

• Study Scope: Survey of 800+ senior business leaders across Europe, North America, and Asia‑Pacific; independently conducted by Economist Impact with Kinaxis sponsorship.
• AI Adoption Metrics:
• 97% of companies are experimenting with AI.
• Only 20% can make real‑time decisions using AI.
• 22% have a formal AI strategy; these firms are >3× more likely to see ROI.
• 52% report full integration for predictive analytics (top use case).
• <15% use AI for supplier monitoring, anomaly detection, or geopolitical tracking.
• Regional Insights:
• Asia‑Pacific (81%) and Europe (78%) report faster AI acceleration than North America (57%).
• Investment momentum strongest in Europe (38%) and APAC (31%), weakest in North America (22%).
• Leadership vs. Execution Gap:
• Two‑thirds of C‑suite executives expect AI ROI within 12 months, versus <50% of junior leaders sharing that view.
• Economic Pressure Indicators:
• 79% of companies have passed higher costs onto consumers.

• 75% report worsening availability of key components.

• Readiness & Governance Gaps:
• Fewer than 1 in 4 business leaders anticipate AI‑related risks rising over the next three years.
• Majority lack data readiness, governance frameworks, and accountability structures needed for real‑time AI impact.
• Future Outlook – Agentic AI:
• <10% of organizations are exploring “agentic AI,” where autonomous agents collaborate with humans under governance guardrails to deliver explainable, auditable recommendations.
• Calls to Action:
• Full report available at www.kinaxis.com/en/economist‑ai.
• Live webinar with Kinaxis and Economist Impact scheduled for November 20, 2025, 11 a.m. ET.

Notable Quotes

“Disruption is no longer cyclical, it’s structural, and AI has become the defining accelerator of adaptability,” – Fab Brasca, Senior Vice President, Market Strategy & Product Management, Kinaxis.

“Companies are racing to deploy AI to manage geopolitical and economic shocks, but most lack the data, systems, and strategies to make it work in real time,” – Oliver Sawbridge, Senior Manager, Trade & Geopolitics, Economist Impact.