Findings from the Annual Data & Analytics Global Executive Study by MIT SMR Connections on behalf of SAS provide insight into organizations’ activities in data, analytics, and AI. More than 2,400 business leaders and managers worldwide responded to a survey that was designed to identify where recognized best practices are becoming more mainstream and where they may still be exceptional.

The researchers found that respondents who have advanced their analytics practices to incorporate AI-based technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing “work in organizations that do the most to foster data quality, safeguard data assets, and develop cultures of data literacy and innovation.”

The researchers reported that they found a persistent gap. “While the majority of respondents report increased access to data, only a minority say they have the “right” data to make decisions. Notably, those who report a high level of trust in data for analytics are also more likely to show leadership in foundational activities that ensure that the data is high quality and leads to useful insights.”

This infographic summarizes the results of the report.