The report provides actionable insights and recommendations for data leaders to address challenges, align priorities, and drive meaningful change in the rapidly evolving landscape of data and AI.
Key findings in the report highlight gaps including in data and AI strategy ownership within organisations. While over 85% of data leaders report that their organisation’s Chief Data Officer (CDO) owns the data strategy, only about 25% confirm the same for their AI strategy. Over 20% report there is no defined owner for their organisation’s AI strategy at all. The report also examines the evolving role of the CDO, explores trends in AI applications, and offers practical solutions for overcoming common challenges and blockers in 2025.
“AI isn’t just the future, it’s the now,” said Jason Foster, Founder & CEO of Cynozure. “Yet our findings show a concerning lack of accountability when it comes to AI strategy. This disconnect between leadership and the need for execution puts organisations at risk of falling behind in a world where innovation waits for no one.”
Jason added, “The Path Ahead gives leaders insights they need to turn challenges into opportunities and drive their organisations forward through the use of data and AI.”
The insights in the report are based on a survey conducted between December 2024 and January 2025, featuring 50 senior data professionals from diverse industries globally. Respondents included Chief Data Officers, Heads of Data, and Directors/VPs of Data. The report is available for download at here.
