Observed Signal · Aug 16, 2026 · Study / Report · Source: Retail-News · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Gartner: Supply-Chain Leaders Unclear on AI ROI
A Gartner study finds that while companies are directing a growing share of digital supply-chain budgets to artificial intelligence, many supply-chain leaders cannot clearly assess the economic return. The study reports that 67% of digital investments in supply chains now go to AI projects, yet 55% of Chief Supply Chain Officers (CSCOs) say they cannot reliably judge the financial benefit of those investments. Gartner attributes the measurement gap less to technology and more to insufficient strategic change management across AI initiatives. The analysts recommend establishing a dedicated AI change strategy, aligning it with corporate and supply-chain goals, prioritizing high-value projects, and developing flexible implementation models. Gartner also forecasts that firms could double AI project returns by 2030 if change-management activities are aligned with project scope and business objectives.
Gartner is a major analyst and its study highlights growing AI investments and measurement gaps in supply chains; relevant for enterprise AI strategy and change management but not industry-shifting for AdTech/MarTech.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Gartner study: 67% of digital supply-chain investments now flow into AI projects.
- 55% of surveyed supply-chain leaders (CSCOs) cannot clearly assess the financial benefit (ROI) of their AI initiatives.
- Gartner identifies lack of strategic change management — not technology — as a key reason for unclear ROI assessments.
- Gartner forecasts that companies could double returns from AI projects by 2030 if change-management activities are consistently aligned with project scope and business goals.
- Gartner recommends establishing a standalone AI change strategy, aligning it with corporate and supply-chain strategy, prioritizing high-business-value projects, and using flexible implementation models.
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