New research commissioned by IBM has found that companies are increasingly investing in AI for the long term, with a notable rise in the use of open-source tools. This shift is seen as key to driving both ROI and innovation in AI strategies. The study, which surveyed over 2,400 IT decision-makers (ITDMs), reveals the growing trend of leveraging open-source AI solutions for financial viability and operational success.
AI Investments and Growth in 2025
- 85% of surveyed companies report progress on their 2024 AI strategies, with nearly half (47%) seeing positive ROI from their AI investments.
- 62% plan to increase AI investments in 2025, with 39% of these respondents planning to increase spending by 25-50%.
- 89% of organizations intend to either increase or maintain their AI investments next year.
The Role of Open-Source Tools in AI Strategy
- 51% of companies using open-source tools for AI are seeing positive ROI, compared to 41% of those not using open source.
- 62% of respondents are utilizing open-source ecosystems, and 41% of AI solutions in 2025 will be based on open source.
- 80% of companies report that at least 25% of their AI solutions are based on open-source platforms.
Shifting Metrics: ROI and Innovation
- Companies are now measuring AI ROI less through traditional methods and more through innovation, productivity gains, and rapid software development.
- 47% of companies report positive ROI from AI projects, with 92% believing they will turn a positive ROI within the next 3 years.
- 58% of surveyed companies transition AI projects from pilot to production in under 1 year.
- Faster software development (25%), more rapid innovation (23%), and productivity time savings (22%) were the top metrics used to gauge AI ROI.
Strategic Shifts for 2025
- In 2025, surveyed companies plan to optimize their AI strategies by focusing on managed cloud services (51%), hiring specialized talent (48%), and using open source (48%).
- Companies will focus AI investments in IT operations (63%), data quality management (46%), and product/services innovation (41%).
The research underscores that AI investment is becoming increasingly strategic. Companies are shifting towards open-source ecosystems, not just for cost-effectiveness but also to drive innovation and long-term ROI. As AI adoption continues to scale, businesses are refining their strategies, focusing on productivity, and leveraging cloud services to meet their goals. With the majority of companies planning to increase their AI investments in 2025, the future looks promising for open-source-driven AI ecosystems.
