In a world where technology seems to be taking over everything, the corporate landscape in America is no exception. Companies are diving headfirst into artificial intelligence like it’s the latest trend in fast fashion. The data is eye-opening. By the end of 2025, a Census Bureau survey revealed that 17% of firms had embraced AI. That’s a significant leap from just 2% in 2018.
Sure, some might argue it’s all hype, but the numbers tell a different story. By November 2025, 5.7% of US firms were posting AI-related job openings. That’s not just a blip on the radar; it’s a trend.
But let’s get real. While the top third of firms boasts an impressive 11.1% AI adoption rate, the bottom third? A dismal 0.4%. Most companies, around 94%, didn’t even bother posting AI jobs. It’s a stark divide, and it’s limiting productivity gains across the board.
The information sector is leading the pack, with over 35% of firms leveraging AI. Meanwhile, manufacturing and retail lag behind at 10-15%. Healthcare, education, and finance are moving faster than a caffeinated squirrel. In 2025, only 1.3% of firms in the smallest size category mentioned AI in job postings, highlighting the concentration among large firms in AI adoption.]
Executives seem to know what’s up. Virtually every AI leader considers it a top priority. Many are planning to increase AI investments despite the worries about a bubble. And it’s not just talk; firms are seeing measurable value from these AI investments.
Yet, only 27% of companies review all AI outputs before they make their big debut. Talk about living on the edge!
Looking ahead, the big guns in leadership are shifting strategies. In 2026, expect to see top-down AI strategies that focus on high-value workflows. It’s about time! Restructuring will also take place, creating human-agent teams with built-in governance. Sounds fancy, huh?
Investment trends are heating up, with companies pouring money into AI tools like ChatGPT. Law firms alone increased their tech spending by 11% in 2025 to keep up. The global investment in AI has already hit $1.6 trillion. That’s trillion with a “T.”
