Deloitte Private companies in the United States are rapidly moving from ad hoc experiments with digital technologies and artificial intelligence to widespread, practical implementation, according to a new study by . Deloitte Special. New research study highlights how these businesses channel investments Rather than merely testing concepts, turn them into tools that promise tangible gains in revenue and efficiency.
The survey, conducted in late March 2026 among 100 senior executives, including CEOs, CFOs, presidents, board members and owners, at private U.S. companies with annual revenues of $100 million to $1 billion. questionnaire paints a picture of increasing urgency.
Industry professionals identified revenue growth as their most important goal for the coming year with a rate of 71 percent, followed by productivity increases with 62 percent.
Strikingly, more than half (52 percent) now rank the adoption of AI in their operations among their top three priorities; This is a sharp increase from just 22 percent in the previous year’s results.
The data reveals that 63 percent of respondents allocated significant resources. digital transformation There are efforts involving artificial intelligence, while another 33 percent are running more targeted pilot programs.
Funding for these initiatives comes predominantly from within: Half of executives plan to redirect existing budgets and 43 percent will leverage existing operating funds fundsMinimizing dependence on external borrowing or investment.
Larger organizations appear to be getting ahead in collecting awards. Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of companies with $500 million or more in revenue report moderate to significant returns from their AI spending.
By contrast, only 11 percent of smaller peers achieved similar returns. Similarly, 74 percent of large companies are expanding AI capabilities to specific departments, compared to 38 percent of companies below the $500 million threshold.
Executives predict the biggest benefits will be in workforce efficiency and streamlined operations, a view shared by 93 percent of respondents. But obstacles remain.
The most frequently mentioned barrier is weakness data 72 percent cited quality or limited availability.
Other key challenges include shortages of AI expertise and tech-savvy leadership (53 percent), challenges integrating new systems with legacy infrastructure (48 percent), and struggling to take initiatives beyond initial trials (also 48 percent).
Board level participation is strong in certain areas; 70 percent of respondents emphasize active oversight by the board. technology 67 percent of spending was devoted to cybersecurity and 64 percent to data management, privacy and regulation.
But far fewer boards focus on ethical issues artificial intelligence guidelines (25 percent) or developing internal leadership skills for digital change (22 percent).
“Private companies are moving beyond initial AI experiments and are now using the technology to accelerate expansion, increase efficiency and accelerate decision-making,” he said. Wolfe Tonvice president and leader of Deloitte Private USA.
Many have already witnessed positive results, but sustainable progress artificial intelligence Considerate focus on leadership structures, governance frameworks, and day-to-day operations.
Tone emphasized that private companies often benefit from greater flexibility and faster adaptation, but turning this advantage into scalable success requires focused, methodical execution.
Generally, research study The findings point to a maturing mindset among private companies.
Deloitte Experts concluded that while their agility provides a competitive advantage, they warn that overcoming barriers around data, talent and legacy systems is essential to fully benefit from these investments. Like artificial intelligence Moving from innovation to necessity, disciplined execution can define which companies will be successful in the coming years.
