- The retail sector records the highest level of satisfaction in AI, with 96% of implementations meeting or exceeding expectations
- The banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector allocates the smallest share of future AI investments to Generative AI (38%). However, in these sectors, AI projects are also the most likely to exceed expectations (33%)
- The healthcare sector records the largest increase in AI investments in 2025, at 169%
- 6 October 2025 – A study conducted by Lenovo reveals that 96% of AI implementations in the retail sector meet or exceed expectations, outpacing other industries. Although the financial and healthcare sectors are making significant investments, the results are uneven, highlighting significant differences in how artificial intelligence is used across sectors.
- CIO Playbook 2025, the Lenovo study conducted in collaboration with IDC among IT leaders in the EMEA region, reveals significant differences in attitudes, investment strategies and results achieved in healthcare, retail, and the banking, financial and insurance (BFSI) industries.
- Caution proves beneficial for the BFSI and retail sectors in EMEA
- Among all the sectors analyzed, the banking, financial services and insurance sector stands out for its caution. Given the highly regulated nature of the industry, only 7% of organizations have adopted AI, and just 38% of budgets allocated to artificial intelligence are directed to generative AI (GenAI) in 2025—the lowest share among all sectors analyzed. Although the industry takes a relatively cautious approach to innovation, the strategy appears to be paying off: BFSI companies reported the highest rate of AI projects exceeding expectations (33%), suggesting that when artificial intelligence is used, it is well aligned with specific needs and workloads.
- A similar pattern is observed in the retail sector, where 61% of organizations are still in the pilot phase. Despite below-average spending growth (97%), the sector reported that 96% of AI implementations met or exceeded expectations, the highest cumulative satisfaction score among all industries analyzed.
- Healthcare sector: rapid investments, uneven results
- On the other hand, the healthcare sector is accelerating to catch up, planning a 169% increase in AI spending in 2025, the largest increase among all industries. However, these investments do not automatically translate into success. Currently, the healthcare sector has the lowest rate of artificial intelligence adoption and the highest share of organizations reporting that artificial intelligence has not met expectations. This discrepancy suggests that although the industry is investing heavily, it may lack the internal expertise or strategy needed to effectively implement AI technology and may require greater support and external guidance to ensure success.
- One technology, multiple approaches
- “These findings confirm that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to artificial intelligence,” said Simone Larsson, Director, Enterprise AI, Lenovo. “Whether organizations want to take a bold leap into artificial intelligence or adopt a phased strategy, each industry faces unique challenges and opportunities. Despite these factors, identifying business challenges and opportunities, accompanied by the development of a solid plan, forms the foundation on which a successful AI implementation can be built.”
- CIO Playbook 2025 is designed to help IT industry leaders assess their progress and learn from their peers across different industries and geographies. The report provides useful insights into AI strategy, infrastructure and transformation priorities in 2025 and beyond. The full CIO Playbook 2025 report for EMEA can be downloaded here.
