Morgan Stanley survey answers where enterprises AI budgets come from

AI budgeting trends among CIOs: A recent Morgan Stanley survey of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) provides insights into the sources of artificial intelligence (AI) funding, shedding light on how companies are allocating resources for AI initiatives.

• 41% of CIOs reported that AI investments would come from net new spending, indicating a willingness to allocate additional funds specifically for AI projects.
• 35% of respondents stated that AI budgets would be sourced from existing software spend, suggesting a reallocation of resources within current IT budgets.
• Only 6% of CIOs indicated that AI funding would come from professional services budgets, a surprisingly low figure given the potential impact of AI on labor and services.

Shifting attitudes towards AI investment: The survey reveals a change in approach between early adopters and those entering the AI space more recently.

• Companies that initially didn’t plan to invest in AI are now predominantly repurposing existing software budgets for AI initiatives.
• Early movers in the AI space appear to have created dedicated AI budgets, while later adopters are reallocating funds from existing software spending.

Potential hidden distinctions in AI spending: The survey results suggest different approaches to AI investment that may not be immediately apparent.

• Net new software spend for AI could be earmarked for developing in-house AI infrastructure and products.
• Repurposed existing software spend might be directed towards purchasing off-the-shelf AI solutions and applications.

ROI considerations and market implications: Both approaches to AI spending will require justification through demonstrable return on investment.

• Net new budget allocations could boost the AI industry if productivity gains prove substantial and defensible.
• Repurposing of existing spend may lead to increased competition among a broader set of AI solution providers.

Labor replacement concerns: The survey’s low percentage of AI funding coming from professional services budgets raises questions about potential labor displacement.

• The survey may not have been designed to capture nuances related to AI’s impact on labor budgets.
• Further investigation may be needed to understand if AI investments are indirectly affecting labor allocation and spending.

Impact on software startup ecosystem: The flow of funds into AI initiatives could significantly influence the growth potential of emerging software companies.

• Startups offering innovative AI solutions may benefit from the net new spending trend among early adopters.
• Established software companies may face increased competition as existing budgets are reallocated towards AI-focused alternatives.

Broader economic implications: The shift in IT spending towards AI reflects a larger trend of digital transformation across industries.

• This reallocation of resources could lead to significant changes in workforce composition and skill requirements.
• Industries may experience varying rates of AI adoption and impact, potentially leading to sectoral economic disparities.