AI promises a brighter future, but it’s a marathon not a sprint. Our industry conversations reveal that tech companies are balancing ambitious AI goals with the need to self-fund significant new investments. This transformation and its payback will likely take some time.
Global Head of Technology, Media & Telecommunications | Partner & Managing Director | Driving sustainable & transformative change
The tech industry’s layoff wave continues this summer. Personnel reductions were recently announced at several hardware, software, semiconductor, and security companies—including actions at major players such as Dell, Intel, and Cisco. More workforce reductions will likely take place in the coming months. But why? Not because of cyclical adjustments, but rather, as the manifestation of corporate structural changes unfolding in real time that are designed to position and prepare for the proliferation of AI. Despite AI being a force for growth, companies are utilizing layoffs now to invest in AI and pave the way for long-term, top-line expansion. I see these factors at play: - Embedding AI into product offerings requires capital, but with limited financing availability, tech companies need to self-fund investments. - AI will not just enable top-line growth, but also help automate internal processes to make tech companies more efficient - Businesses are reprioritizing fixed IT budgets to also emphasize AI investment Yes, tech companies are eager to jump on the AI bandwagon. But for most—with a few notable exceptions—it is looking more like an AI merry-go-round bringing companies back to the same cost-reduction actions we have seen in the past, without certainty on when—or if—the payback will arrive. Sign up at the link below to be the first to receive our full analysis of this topic. On September 4, 2024, AlixPartners will release our annual survey of tech company executives, Tech Sector Growth and Performance Report.