Harnessing the Future: Protiviti’s Research on AI Adoption

As AI becomes a larger part of everyday business operations, organizations are looking for practical ways to turn innovation into measurable value. The most successful efforts go beyond experimenting with new tools; they focus on aligning AI initiatives with business goals, strengthening governance, improving data quality and preparing teams to work confidently with emerging technologies. For leaders, this creates both opportunity and responsibility: AI can improve efficiency, accelerate decision making and unlock new insights, but it also introduces risks that must be understood, monitored and managed.

Key Takeaways:

• AI adoption is expanding across business functions as teams use automation, analytics and generative capabilities to streamline work, reduce manual effort and support faster, more informed decisions.
• Executives and board members are evaluating how AI and other emerging technologies may affect strategy, compliance, cybersecurity, operations and reputation in both the near and long term.
• Finance teams are applying generative AI to improve forecasting, automate repetitive processes, enhance analysis and strengthen risk management activities that support better business performance.
• Internal audit functions are increasing their focus on AI by assessing related risks; advising on control considerations; and exploring how AI-enabled techniques can enhance audit planning, testing and reporting.