Adoption vs readiness

AI use is widespread, yet readiness remains limited. Industry research shows that while 72% of companies now use AI in at least one function, only 21% have achieved enterprise-wide integration. Challenges around data quality, governance, and operating models persist. Tech Radar even suggests that just 2% of organisations are fully prepared to leverage AI at scale.

At Propel Tech, our Software Wishlist Survey confirms these trends. Now in its third year, the survey collects insights from professionals across sectors and seniority levels to track evolving software needs and AI adoption in practice.

In 2026, AI adoption is nearly universal: 93.4% of respondents say their organisation is investing in AI, and 95% expect AI spending to increase. Yet, when AI moves beyond pilots into operational delivery, gaps quickly appear. Almost a third of respondents report discovering data issues, system limitations, cost pressures, and capability gaps when implementing AI.

Leaders pull ahead

Executives are advancing faster than their teams. Business Insider reports that 87% of executives use AI at work, compared to only 27% of employees, highlighting a widening internal adoption gap.

Our survey also captures the human side: 73% of respondents worry that AI could replace people, and 86.6% have seen AI-related redundancies in their workplace. Rapid adoption, combined with rising anxiety, shows that the challenge of AI is not just technological - it’s cultural.

Productivity gains aren’t automatic

While AI promises faster decisions and increased profitability, survey data reveals mixed results. Some projects succeed, but many stall due to data complications, and a notable portion fail entirely. Info-Tech Research Group reports that 63% of organisations face AI skills gaps in governance, data literacy, and alignment.

AI doesn’t just create value, it exposes weaknesses. Operational AI highlights fragmented systems, brittle data pipelines, unclear ownership, and capability gaps that previously went unnoticed. Organisations that succeed in 2026 aren’t necessarily those experimenting with the most tools, but those with modern, well-structured software foundations that allow AI to deliver safely and sustainably.

Readiness is human as well as technical

Readiness isn’t only about systems, it’s about people. In the 2026 Software Wishlist Survey, respondents emphasised human-centred outcomes: employee wellbeing, work-life balance, and training rank alongside productivity and collaboration. For businesses, efficiency, analytics, and competitiveness remain core, while sustainability tops the wishlist for software’s impact on society.

AI and software are now tools to enable better outcomes, not just control mechanisms. Organisations that align technology with human and societal goals will be the ones who lead.

Looking ahead to 2026

Next year will not be about if organisations use AI, it will be about how prepared they are to make it dependable, secure, and value-creating in everyday operations. AI will shift from a tool to a strategic capability. Those who modernise while automating will pull ahead; those who experiment without a readiness plan risk falling behind.

Andy Brown, Founder of Propel Tech, explains:

 

“AI isn’t just an add-on - it exposes every gap in your technology and team readiness. The winners in 2026 will be those who invested in strong foundations first.”

Readiness starts with evidence

Many teams are eager to move fast with AI, only to be slowed by legacy systems, fragmented data, and unclear processes. The organisations that succeed are those who pause, assess honestly, and modernise with purpose.

That’s why we created our free guide, ‘Maximise the Value of Your Bespoke Software’, a practical, jargon-free resource for senior leaders who want to assess whether their software is truly AI-ready and build foundations that support both people and performance.

Download the free guide here: https://propeltech.co.uk/bespoke-software-the-key-to-unlocking-an-ai-powered-workforce/