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Bridging the AI Readiness Gap: Insights from Harvard Business Review

A new study by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services has unveiled a concerning gap between the ambitions of businesses regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and their readiness to implement it effectively. Conducted with support from Hyland, a leader in Enterprise Content Management (ECM), the research, titled Bridging the Readiness Gap to the Agentic Enterprise, underscores the urgent need for companies to align their operational foundations with their AI objectives.

Key Findings

The study reveals that while a significant majority of businesses acknowledge the necessity for interconnected data, content, and workflows to succeed with AI, only a minority have established the operational groundwork essential for scaling AI initiatives. Notably, the survey found that 94% of respondents believe that well-connected data and processes are crucial for successful AI deployment. However, less than one-third (27%) of them report that these elements are effectively interconnected within their organizations.

Interestingly, while 65% of surveyed companies feel that their structured data is ready for AI applications, only 39% claim the same about their unstructured data. This disconnect is alarming, given that unstructured data—such as emails, PDFs, images, and videos—comprises a significant portion of the information driving daily business operations.

Unleashing Potential in Unstructured Data

The problem for many organizations is not merely a lack of data; instead, it lies in the integration of crucial operational information encapsulated within unstructured data. The report suggests that closing this readiness gap will require more than merely introducing new AI tools. A solid foundation for governance, access, and workflow execution is required, especially as businesses transition to agent-based forms of AI.

Jitesh S. Ghai, CEO of Hyland, remarked, "As companies advance to the next phase of AI, the challenge is not only about accessing models but also whether the business is prepared to integrate AI in a controlled, contextual, and trustworthy manner. The agentic enterprise takes shape when AI is embedded in real operational workflows that rely on the existing content, data, and controls. For many, unstructured data is both the most overlooked asset and the greatest barrier to effective AI scaling."

Barriers to AI Adoption

The study further identifies multiple obstacles hindering organizations from adopting and scaling AI. The most commonly cited challenges include data silos (54%), security and privacy issues (48%), format-related difficulties (46%), inadequate data management and governance (46%), and unclear data strategies (45%). Only 10% identified a lack of data as a primary concern, indicating that structural readiness, access protocols, and trust issues are at the forefront of AI implementation challenges.

Practical Steps Towards AI Readiness

Findings from the study demonstrate that many companies have yet to adequately integrate AI into their everyday operations. Among respondents using AI, 39% reported that most AI-driven workflows remain reliant on separate, standalone tools, while merely 12% stated that AI is directly integrated into their workflow. Furthermore, less than half (45%) indicated that their AI projects deliver expected outcomes.

Amy Machado, Senior Research Manager at IDC, emphasized, "With the shift towards advanced and agent-based forms of AI, businesses face escalating demands—not just on technology but on how information flows, how decisions are made, and how value is measured. Companies that invest in modernizing their content foundations and embedding intelligence into real workflows will be best positioned to translate their AI ambitions into sustainable solutions."

Recommendations for Closing the Gap

To help organizations bridge the readiness gap, the report suggests several priorities:

• - Prioritize data readiness, particularly for unstructured data that is often unprepared for AI utilization.
• - Modernize content platforms to reduce fragmentation and enhance accessibility, management, and reusability.
• - Integrate AI into workflows rather than relying on isolated, self-contained tools.
• - Align leadership and IT on shared governance, clear definitions, and operational responsibilities.
• - Evaluate success not just by speed but by use, quality, and business outcomes.

For more information about Hyland's platform and solutions, visit Hyland.com.

The study Bridging the Readiness Gap to the Agentic Enterprise was created by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services and sponsored by Hyland. The survey was conducted in December 2025, surveying 325 members of the Harvard Business Review audience across North America (45%), Europe (24%), Asia-Pacific (20%), and other regions. Respondents represented organizations ranging from small to medium-sized enterprises to those employing over 10,000 staff across various sectors, including manufacturing, technology, education, and financial services. Each participant was involved in their organization's AI decision-making processes.

About Hyland

Hyland is a pioneer in the Content Innovation Cloud, providing enterprises with actionable intelligence through solutions that drive automation. Trusted by thousands of companies globally, including many Fortune 100 firms, Hyland's solutions lay the groundwork for a connected, agent-based enterprise where teams leverage AI to redefine their workflows and interactions with the stakeholders they support. More details about Hyland's platform and services can be found at Hyland.com.