Security and infrastructure are two of the top concerns for organizations rolling out generative AI, according to a recent report from IT company NTT Data. However, most companies are optimistic about its future potential.

Global GenAI ReportBased on responses from 2,307 productive AI decision-makers and influencers, primarily from large organizations around the world, the research found that CISOs are the most pessimistic executives about technology. Many CISOs (45%) have negative thoughts about productive AI because they feel pressured, threatened and overwhelmed.

Only 19% of total respondents across roles shared the same sentiment as CISOs. “CISOs are uniquely positioned to anticipate risk, and it is clear that they see this (in Producer AI),” the report stated.

Executives outline productive AI concerns

The report found that among CISOs, a third say they are uncomfortable with the “black box” nature and “obscure decision-making algorithms” of some generative AI models. But CISOs aren’t the only group with concerns about AI:

• 90% of all executives said legacy infrastructure greatly impacts their business agility and ability to use productive AI.
• Almost 8 in 10 respondents still Unsure of the real benefits of generative AI to their operations.
• Three out of four survey respondents said their organization’s productive AI goals conflict with or could negatively impact sustainability goals.
• 44% of total respondents agreed that their organization has already established the optimal infrastructure to efficiently and cost-effectively scale generative AI in a cloud environment.

Chief data officers are particularly hesitant about GenAI. Nearly half viewed a lack of transparency and difficulty explaining the logic behind complex generative AI models as issues affecting their adoption. Also 86% All respondents and 96% of chief data officers agree that algorithm bias remains prevalent on current models.

TO SEE: Almost half of security experts believe AI is risky

Most productive AI decision makers are optimistic about AI

The report finds that despite some negative attitudes towards AI, most executives are generally positive about the technology: 60% believe it will be a “game changer” within two years.

According to the report:

• 57% of PUs were positive about productive AI.
• 50% of CIOs and CTOs reported being “excited” about generative AI, and 21% reported being “amazed” by the technology.
• 44% of top respondents strongly agree that the promise and potential returns of generative AI outweigh the potential security and legal risks.

Senior executives in general also expect major impacts from productive artificial intelligence; 97% of CEOs expect a material impact from technology, while 99% of organizations plan to invest more in AI.

Organizations aim for 2025 as NTT Data declares “playing time is over”

NTT Data’s report claims that “play time is over” for AI as organizations move away from less experimentation and more towards identifying tangible achievements that can be put into production.

Almost nine in 10 survey respondents said they were actually experiencing “pilot fatigue” and were shifting their focus to areas where generative AI has a proven impact on business performance.

TO SEE: 5 productive AI trends in 2025

Looking ahead, NTT Data said six in 10 leaders expect significant transformation from major investments in generative AI in 2025, but 83% agree that the return on investment will be uncertain for the foreseeable future.

“As organizations look to improve their internal operations with more precise experimentation, focused spending plans will replace scattered experiments. These will aim to transform back-office and middle-office workflows and create new digital products and services with scalable potential, the report said.

NTT Data predicts this Successful experiments will reignite investment in productive AI As CEOs gain clearer evidence of the potential to increase revenue and productivity.