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AI Maturity: Thrivers vs. Survivors - IDC Insights

Summary

Summary

Mr. Linus Lai walked through the results from IDC AI MaturityScape Benchmark Survey, which identifies “Thrivers” as top 10% enterprises excelling in AI maturity, with 76% in advanced stages vs. 73% of “Survivors” in early stages.

Thrivers treat AI as a strategic asset, integrating it across governance, strategy, and operations. They are 4–8X more likely to have enterprise-wide AI strategies, unified governance frameworks, and transformation offices. Technologically, they lead in AI platforms, data integration, infrastructure, and use “agents as a service.” Culturally, Thrivers redesign operating models around agentic workflows, align leadership, and prioritize change management. Their success stems from embedding AI across strategy, technology, and people dimensions to drive innovation and transformation.

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Key Takeaways

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Thrivers vs. Survivors in AI Maturity

Thrivers lead in AI maturity (76% in Stage 3+), treating AI as a strategic asset across business units, governance, and innovation—unlike Survivor who remain in early stages.

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Strategy & Governance

Thrivers are 4X more likely to align AI governance with strategy, implement enterprise-wide AI roadmaps, and use central offices to scale AI and break down silos.

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Technology & Infrastructure

Thrivers lead in AI platforms, data and infrastructure. They embed Agentic AI across apps and use “agents as a service” to drive efficiency, not just fill skill gaps.

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People & Culture

Thrivers redesign models around agentic workflows, align leadership, optimize work with AI agents, and are 3X more likely to guide employees through AI-driven change programs.