Deloitte report shows firms moving AI into core operations

Deloitte’s 2026 State of AI in the Enterprise report, based on insights from over 3,000 senior leaders worldwide, shows organisations moving beyond AI experimentation, while highlighting the need for stronger governance and clearer roadmaps as adoption scales.

Organisations across industries are increasingly embedding artificial intelligence into their core business operations, according to Deloitte’s newly released 2026 State of AI in the Enterprise report. The study provides a detailed view of how enterprises are progressing from early AI trials to more mature, enterprise-wide deployments, while also outlining the challenges that accompany this transition.

The report is based on responses from more than 3,000 senior executives responsible for AI initiatives, including leaders from Singapore and across the Asia-Pacific region. Deloitte found that many companies are no longer treating AI as a standalone experiment but are integrating it into everyday workflows, particularly in areas linked to efficiency and decision-making.

Governance and strategy take centre stage

As AI adoption deepens, the report highlights the growing importance of governance, talent readiness and long-term strategy. Chris Lewin, AI and Data Capability Leader at Deloitte Asia Pacific, said organisations in Southeast Asia are already seeing tangible productivity benefits from AI investments. However, he noted that sustained value will depend on moving beyond incremental improvements.

Lewin stressed that business leaders will need clearly defined roadmaps to guide large-scale AI transformation, supported by governance frameworks embedded across the organisation. According to the report, companies that reimagine processes and business models around AI—rather than simply automating existing ones—are more likely to gain strategic differentiation and lasting competitive advantage.

Deloitte said the findings underline a shift in enterprise thinking, as AI becomes a foundational capability rather than a niche technology, requiring leadership focus, accountability and a long-term vision to unlock its full potential.