IFS, the provider of Industrial AI software, has announced the results of its global study on AI adoption across industries. The research revealed an “Invisible Revolution,” marking a shift from consumer-focused AI experimentation to embedded, operational AI across core business processes.

The IFS Invisible Revolution Study 2025 surveyed over 1,700 senior decision-makers at industrial enterprises worldwide. It found that while companies are adopting AI, many are not fully prepared for its complete implementation. This has created an ‘AI Execution Gap,’ where staff skills lag behind adoption rates.

The study reported that the number of companies in early AI experimentation will drop from 24% to just 7% within 12 months. However, 52% of leaders said their management teams do not fully understand AI, and 99% of global workforces will require major reskilling to harness AI’s benefits.

Kriti Sharma, CEO of IFS Nexus Black, stated, “AI is a core driver of business performance. Closing the AI Execution Gap by aligning people, processes, and products will deliver tangible outcomes. Those who move fast will lead the next decade of industry.”

The research also highlighted growing AI value despite lagging readiness. More than half of business leaders (53%) admitted their organizations lack a clear AI strategy. Still, 70% reported better-than-expected ROI, with 88% noting improved profitability globally.

Training and upskilling will be key to ensuring industrial companies remain competitive. Over half of business leaders said up to 60% of employees will need new skills, while a third predicted it could reach 100%.

Trust remains a challenge. Only 29% of global leaders are comfortable letting AI make strategic decisions autonomously, while 68% said a human must approve AI outputs. Concerns about bias persist, particularly in the US (63%), compared to the Nordics (40%). Encouragingly, 65% support an independent international AI regulatory body to close the trust gap.

Industrial AI is also reshaping business models. The study found 54% of organizations use automation AI, 45% deploy predictive AI, and 35% experiment with agentic AI capable of autonomous decision-making. Traditional models are shifting toward servitization, delivering outcome-based services rather than just products.

Sharma added, “Industrial AI is moving into real-time, decision-grade intelligence embedded across enterprises. It’s already automating complex tasks, predicting disruptions, and powering service-led business models. The organizations embracing this shift will lead the next industrial chapter.”

The next 12 months are expected to be decisive. Organizations that close the AI Execution Gap now will shape the future of industrial leadership. Sharma concluded, “Industrial AI is already reshaping how industries run, compete, and grow. The time to act is now.”

Key Points:

• IFS study finds rapid global Industrial AI adoption, but workforce readiness lags.
• 70% of businesses report better-than-expected AI ROI; trust and bias remain challenges.
• Industrial AI is driving automation, predictive analytics, and service-based business models.

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