Are we getting what we paid for? How to turn AI momentum into measurable value

Are we getting what we paid for? How to turn AI momentum into measurable value

Are we getting what we paid for? How to turn AI momentum into measurable value

Section 1 – What happened?

In a recent session of VentureBeat's AI Impact Tour, Brian Gracely, director of portfolio strategy at Red Hat, highlighted the operational challenges faced by large organizations in their AI investments. According to Gracely, many companies are struggling with AI sprawl, rising inference costs, and limited visibility into the return on investment (ROI) of their AI initiatives. This marks a shift from the experimental phase, where cost was not a primary concern, to a more critical evaluation of whether AI investments are delivering measurable value.

Section 2 – Background & Context

The past two years have seen a surge in AI adoption, driven by the promise of productivity gains and the experimental nature of early-stage AI projects. As a result, many organizations made large bets on managed AI services, often without a clear understanding of the costs and outcomes. However, with the second and third budget cycles now underway, enterprises are facing the reality of their AI investments and struggling to connect spending to outcomes. This has become a board-level problem, as companies are forced to justify the cost of their AI initiatives and scale responsibly.

Section 3 – Impact on Swiss SMEs & Finance

The challenges faced by large organizations in their AI investments have significant implications for Swiss SMEs and the finance sector. As AI adoption continues to grow, SMEs must be cautious not to fall into the same trap of overspending on AI without a clear understanding of the ROI. This requires a more strategic approach to AI procurement, one that prioritizes measurable value and responsible scaling. For the finance sector, this shift towards more responsible AI spending presents opportunities for innovative solutions and services that help organizations connect spending to outcomes.

Section 4 – What to Watch

As the focus shifts from "can we build something?" to "are we getting what we paid for?", Swiss SMEs and finance professionals should monitor the development of new AI procurement models that prioritize measurable value and responsible scaling. This may include the emergence of new services and solutions that provide visibility into AI spending and outcomes, as well as the growth of managed AI services that offer more transparent and cost-effective options. By staying ahead of these trends, organizations can turn AI momentum into measurable value and drive more responsible AI adoption.

Source

Original Article: Are we getting what we paid for? How to turn AI momentum into measurable value

Published: April 16, 2026

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.