APAC organisations adopt AI faster than data foundations can support, Informatica study finds

A new global study by Informatica has found that organisations across Asia Pacific are adopting artificial intelligence at a pace that is outstripping their data management, governance and workforce readiness.

The Informatica CDO Insights 2026 report highlights a widening readiness gap as companies accelerate the use of generative AI while still grappling with foundational data challenges. Based on a survey of 600 data leaders across the US, UK and Europe, and APAC, the study suggests that faster AI adoption has not been matched by the investments needed to ensure reliability, accountability and long-term trust.

Across APAC, 66 percent of organisations surveyed said they have already integrated generative AI into their business practices. However, many of these initiatives remain stuck at the pilot stage, with data leaders citing unresolved issues around data quality, skills shortages and inconsistent governance as key barriers to scaling AI into production environments.

Data reliability and skills gaps slow AI at scale

Data reliability emerged as one of the most significant obstacles to operationalising AI in APAC organisations. According to the study, 89 percent of respondents said unreliable data is preventing generative AI projects from moving beyond pilot deployments and into full production.

Despite these concerns, confidence among employees remains high. Sixty-seven percent of APAC data leaders reported that most or nearly all employees trust the data being used for AI systems. This contrast points to a disconnect between organisational confidence and the underlying data risks that leaders believe have yet to be resolved.

The study also found that concerns are compounding as new AI initiatives are launched. Eighty-eight percent of respondents said they worry that fresh AI pilots are progressing without adequately addressing data reliability issues uncovered in earlier projects, increasing the risk of repeated failures or unintended consequences.

Alongside data quality, workforce capability is proving to be another limiting factor. Skills shortages remain widespread across the region, with 72 percent of respondents identifying a need for stronger data literacy training. The same proportion highlighted the need to improve AI literacy across their organisations, underscoring concerns about the responsible and effective use of AI tools as adoption expands.

Uneven governance and rising regulatory pressure

The report also points to inconsistent approaches to AI governance across APAC, reflecting differing levels of maturity and preparedness. While some organisations are adapting existing frameworks, others are starting from scratch or turning to new tools as they attempt to keep pace with AI adoption.

Forty-four percent of respondents said they are extending existing data governance frameworks to cover AI. Another 35 percent reported investing in dedicated AI governance tools, while 22 percent said they have initiated governance efforts specifically for AI without building on previous structures. These varied approaches highlight uneven readiness as AI becomes more deeply embedded in business processes.

At the same time, regulatory expectations across the region are evolving rapidly, adding further pressure on organisations to strengthen their data and governance foundations. The study found that 86 percent of APAC data leaders plan to increase investment in data management throughout 2026 to address these gaps.

Among their top priorities are meeting changing regulatory requirements, cited by 43 percent of respondents, followed by strengthening data privacy and security at 42 percent. Improving data and AI governance was identified by 39 percent as a key focus area for the coming year.

Industry response and broader context

Industry leaders echoed the report’s findings, warning of the risks associated with rapid AI adoption without adequate governance and skills. Amanda Fitzsimmons, Senior Director of Customer Data at RS Group, said the study highlights the dangers of accelerating AI initiatives without strong data governance and literacy in place.

She explained that RS Group embeds governance and accountability into how it evaluates and scales AI initiatives, ensuring that technological, security, legal and strategic implications are assessed before deployment. This approach, she said, helps maximise opportunities while minimising risk, allowing innovation to progress responsibly with a clear understanding of value from the outset.

Fitzsimmons added that investments in data-driven solutions, comprehensive upskilling and close collaboration with technology partners are essential steps in building trusted and responsible AI that delivers measurable value to both customers and employees.

Beyond APAC, the Informatica CDO Insights 2026 report also examines global differences in data management priorities, vendor strategies and the AI-powered use cases organisations are prioritising. The findings suggest that while AI adoption is accelerating worldwide, the gap between ambition and operational readiness remains a common challenge, with APAC facing particularly acute pressures as regulatory frameworks continue to evolve.