Many organizations still lack a clear AI strategy, making it difficult for CIOs to drive real results when they deploy the technology. Asked about their top challenges to AI initiatives, 31% of CIO respondents to CIO.com’s 2026 State of the CIO survey identified a lack of clarity on corporate AI strategy as a top challenge, while 24% said they’re uncertain about which department is responsible for meeting AI goals or ROI expectations. Another 20% said it’s difficult for them to engage with line-of-business leaders on AI goals. Other top AI challenges include lack of in-house AI expertise (40%), lack of clear ROI metrics (32%), and too many competing demands for AI initiatives (28%).

Full survey : The State of the CIO survey finds confusion about what the corporate strategy is and who is responsible for meeting AI goals.