AI dominated the conversation in 2025, CIOs shift gears in 2026

In 2026, CIOs are shifting their focus from experimental AI copilots to a more strategic, outcome-driven approach, emphasizing the integration of AI into holistic business processes rather than isolated pilots. This transition involves prioritizing process intelligencesystematically mapping and analyzing workflows to identify pain points and inefficienciesaiming to achieve measurable results that align with organizational goals. Despite the initial excitement around AI copilots across platforms like CRMs and productivity tools, evaluations such as the UK Department for Business and Trade trial revealed limited productivity gains, prompting a reevaluation of AI's role in enterprise settings. This evolution