Global study reveals strong strategic intent around industrial intelligence, but limited data sharing slows real-world execution
AVEVA, in collaboration with IMD Business School, has released its first-ever Industrial Intelligence Report at AVEVA World 2026 in Milan, shedding light on how global industries are adopting digital ecosystems to drive innovation, resilience, and sustainability. The study draws on insights from more than 275 senior leaders across 12 industry sectors, offering a comprehensive view of how organizations are navigating the transition to connected, AI-driven operations.
The report indicates that digital ecosystems have become a top strategic priority, with 74% of leaders recognizing their importance in addressing complex business challenges such as supply chain volatility, faster innovation cycles, and decarbonization efforts. However, a significant execution gap persists. Only 27% of organizations report sharing data extensively with ecosystem partners, revealing a disconnect between ambition and operational reality.
At the core of the research is the concept of industrial intelligence, defined as the integration of operational technology (OT), information technology (IT), and artificial intelligence (AI) to enable real-time, data-driven decision-making across interconnected systems. As industries move toward more collaborative operating models, this intelligence becomes essential for orchestrating value across extended partner networks.
According to Caspar Herzberg, CEO of AVEVA, the goal of the collaboration extends beyond understanding trends. He emphasized that organizations must develop the frameworks and leadership practices needed to break down silos and build adaptive, ecosystem-driven models that can scale in complex environments.
“Our ambition is to define the frameworks, competencies, and leadership practices that enable companies to transcend silos and build adaptive, ecosystem‑driven operating models.”
— Caspar Herzberg, CEO, AVEVA
The report also highlights the key barriers slowing ecosystem adoption, including legacy infrastructure, integration complexity, and weak governance models. These challenges limit organizations’ ability to fully leverage shared data and coordinated decision-making, despite clear strategic intent.
Professor Michael Wade of IMD noted that while collaboration has always existed in industrial sectors, the nature of that collaboration is evolving rapidly. With the rise of data platforms and AI, traditional partnerships are transforming into real-time, intelligence-driven systems, requiring stronger governance, clearer roles, and more deliberate leadership.
As digital ecosystems become central to industrial transformation, the report underscores a defining challenge for enterprise leaders: closing the gap between vision and execution. Those that succeed in harnessing industrial intelligence and scaling ecosystem collaboration are likely to unlock significant operational and strategic advantages in the years ahead.
