The State of AI: Global Survey 2026

The survey indicates that many organizations are opting to scale software coding agents, with about 31 percent of larger enterprises doing so. This trend reflects a shift towards building software in-house rather than purchasing it, as nearly a third of respondents (32 percent) report that their organizations have chosen to develop certain software products internally using agentic coding tools. However, the cost of AI remains a concern, with approximately 20 percent of respondents indicating that AI-related operating costs have constrained their usage of AI technologies. Despite this, the majority of organizations plan to increase their AI investments in the coming year.

While the share of respondents reporting enterprise-level financial impact from AI use has remained unchanged at 37 percent, individual productivity has seen a boost. Eighty percent of respondents state that AI has improved their productivity, and half report enhanced decision-making capabilities. However, there is a growing expectation of workforce declines due to AI, with 39 percent of respondents anticipating reductions in total employment within their organizations over the next year.

The survey highlights that organizations are moving beyond mere experimentation with AI, with nearly nine in ten respondents reporting regular use of AI in at least one business function. The report emphasizes that larger organizations are leading the way in scaling AI across various functions, with 44 percent now reporting enterprise-wide adoption, up from 38 percent last year. The findings also reveal that AI is being deployed in more business functions, with an increase in the number of organizations using AI in three or more functions, rising from 51 percent to 56 percent.

In conclusion, the McKinsey State of AI global survey underscores the deepening integration of AI technologies within organizations. While individual productivity gains are evident, translating these into broader financial impacts remains a challenge. Organizations that effectively leverage AI to transform their operations and workflows are likely to achieve lasting benefits in the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.