EY Survey Finds US Executives Shift AI Focus to Value

The professional services firm Ernst & Young released the fifth wave of its US AI Pulse Survey on July 28, 2026, indicating a strategic pivot in corporate artificial intelligence deployment. Senior executives are moving away from rapid adoption toward a model that balances high costs against tangible value, primarily due to escalating AI token expenses. This trend has led 98% of leaders using token-based tools to reconsider their strategies.

This fiscal pressure is driving organizations to abandon traditional software-as-a-service models and off-the-shelf solutions in favor of custom, in-house software development. While actual spending has not met previous aggressive projections, 98% of surveyed leaders report a positive return on investment.

The surge in internal development has increased the need for stronger governance to mitigate risks associated with cybersecurity vulnerabilities, regulatory compliance, and shadow IT. Dan Diasio, EY Global AI Consulting Leader, noted that the business case for AI must move beyond simple time-saving to focus on value-driven priorities.