AI Adoption Grows While Profit Becomes Top Priority
Key Highlights
- Over 80% of industrial technology companies report using AI tools.
- Nearly half of executives and engineers are eager to test new AI technologies immediately.
- AI adoption is increasingly tied to measurable financial and operational outcomes, not just innovation.
Adoption of artificial intelligence tools among industrial technology companies has surged past 80%, according to a new global survey from TE Connectivity. As AI becomes more deeply embedded in day-to-day operations, companies are increasingly focused on generating measurable returns from their investments.
For the first time in the four-year history of TE Connectivity’s Industrial Technology Index, financial performance has overtaken product innovation as the top priority among both executives and engineers.
Forty-three percent (43%) of executives now cite increasing company profits as their primary focus—up 17 points from last year—while only 26% prioritize product innovation, a drop of nine points. Engineers are showing a similar shift, with 31% prioritizing profits (up two points) and 24% emphasizing product innovation (down seven points).
"AI integration is increasing at companies around the world, but this year's TE Connectivity Industrial Technology Index found many are facing challenges aligning on what success looks like once it is embedded into everyday workflows," said CEO Terrence Curtin.
Curtin continues, "This year's report highlights a growing need for shared objectives between engineers and executives as AI adoption accelerates. Without that alignment, AI can introduce friction inside a business instead of advancing innovation and transforming operations. The companies making the most progress are those translating AI investment into real–world impact."
As companies continue to seek return on investment, adoption is expanding across key global markets including China, Germany, India, Japan, and the United States. The share of respondents reporting “extensive” AI adoption rose to 35% this year, up from 22% last year.
The United States leads with 41% of companies reporting extensive adoption—a sharp 26-point increase from last year, when it was tied with Germany for the lowest level. In contrast, China saw a more modest increase of one point to 29%, suggesting earlier adoption gains.
The data also reveals strong enthusiasm for AI experimentation, with nearly half of both executives and engineers expressing eagerness to adopt new technologies quickly.
Beyond adoption trends, this year’s Industrial Technology Index also explores AI’s role in sustainability efforts, its integration into daily workflows, and its implications for engineering talent.
Source: TE Connectivity
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