2025 CDO Insights: Scaling Generative AI for Value

Explore the key priorities, challenges and strategies for success for Chief Data Officers.

Data is no longer just a business asset—it's the foundation of innovation in the generative AI era. As organizations race to harness this transformative technology, understanding how to leverage your data effectively has never been more critical.

This year, we've partnered with Harvard Business Review to decode how CDOs, data leaders, and their organizations are turning their data into generative AI success. This essential research provides a roadmap for organizations seeking to build the robust data foundations necessary for success in the generative AI age.

Key Insights

Data Readiness is Critical
- 52% of organizations rate their data foundation's readiness for gen AI implementation as inadequate
- Organizations are prioritizing data quality improvement (49%) and integration (46%) for gen AI success
Leadership & Strategy
- 89% of executive teams are directly involved in gen AI decisions
- Cross-functional collaboration is emerging as a key success factor
- Clear ownership of data and gen AI projects strongly correlates with implementation success
Implementation Focus Areas
- Software engineering (61%) leads gen AI adoption
- Customer service and employee productivity show highest impact
- 46% of organizations are actively improving data integration capabilities
- 42% are investing in talent development and team restructuring