Poole College of Management’s ERM Initiative, in partnership with AICPA & CIMA, has published a new report: Executive Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Opportunities and Risks. Based on insights from 1,735 executives across eight regions and eight industries, it explores how senior leaders perceive the strategic opportunities of AI, the emerging risks, and the widening gap between organizations that are ready for AI and those that are not. Here, we present an abbreviated version of their findings.

Key Findings at a Glance

1. AI adoption is growing, but readiness is uneven.
2. Early AI adopters are pulling ahead.
3. For most organizations, readiness is the roadblock.
4. AI impact varies significantly by geography and industry.
5. AI risks are escalating quickly.

Why This Matters for Risk Leaders

This research reveals a widening gap between organizations that are strategically integrating AI and those that are struggling to build even basic readiness — creating significant implications for enterprise‑wide risk oversight

Why This Matters	What Risk Leaders Should Consider
AI is reshaping strategic risk faster than most organizations can keep up.	Be prepared to anticipate and govern risks that are dynamic, technical and deeply intertwined with strategy.
Early adopters are gaining competitive advantage — and amplifying their risk exposure.	Help other executives understand that AI can no longer be treated as an isolated technology risk; it is a core strategic driver that demands integrated oversight.
Talent, governance, and systems readiness are now enterprise-level constraints.	Consider if AI capability gaps represent material organizational risks affecting resilience, compliance, and strategic agility.
Geographic and industry differences signal uneven risk landscapes.	Understand these external signals to anticipate competitive shifts and sector‑specific vulnerabilities.
Stronger ERM integration is essential for responsible AI adoption.	Evaluate how these capabilities need to be integrated at the core of effective ERM.

The report is authored by:

• Mark S. Beasley, PhD – Director, ERM Initiative; Alan T. Dickson Distinguished Professor of Accounting
• Bruce C. Branson, PhD – Associate Director, ERM Initiative; Professor of Accounting
• Donald P. Pagach, PhD – Director of Research, ERM Initiative; Professor of Accounting

To learn more about the key findings and read the full report, visit the ERM Initiative website.

This post was originally published in Poole Thought Leadership.