Solita report says AI efforts often stall after pilots

Many organizations have moved beyond AI pilots, but few have turned the technology into a lasting competitive advantage, according to Solita’s Ways of Tech report for 2026 and 2027.

Solita’s Niklas Liedholm, Head of AI, says a common mistake is treating AI as a tool purchase instead of a broader business change. Organizations may gain productivity by improving individual tasks, but greater value requires changes to processes, responsibilities, decisions and working methods.

The report says leaders should begin with strategic goals and assess where AI could improve decisions, revenue, costs or process speed. They should also consider whether they have the data, technology, skills and a realistic path to value.

Digital sovereignty is another concern. Jouni Wallander, Chief Strategy Officer at Solita, warns that dependence on one supplier can create risks involving core processes, continuity and costs. The report recommends identifying critical dependencies and considering measures such as modular architecture, contract changes or consciously accepting the risk.

As AI speeds up development, the report says organizations need clearer decision mandates, stronger controls for AI agents and internal skills combining business understanding with technical and AI knowledge.

1. Where does AI create real business value?
2. Which dependencies are critical?
3. Who can make decisions?
4. How are AI agents controlled?
5. Which skills must be built internally?