McKinsey’s China Chief Explains Why Some Businesses Haven’t Reaped the Benefits of AI
Listen to the full version
Although roughly 90% of companies worldwide are experimenting with artificial intelligence, only about 40% are getting a financial return, said McKinsey & Co’s China chief.
Joe Ngai, chairman of McKinsey’s offices in Greater China, told Caixin in a recent interview that for most of those businesses profiting from the technology, AI contributes less than 5% to earnings before interest and taxes. He noted that while Chinese enterprises are most active in adopting AI, they face a major bottleneck in shifting from merely using the tool to creating tangible business value with it.
Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.
Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.
- RELATED
- DIGEST HUB
Digest Hub
Back
- 90% of companies worldwide experiment with AI, but only 40% see financial returns, with <5% EBIT contribution for most; <10% achieve organization-wide deployment per Nov 2025 McKinsey survey.
- Firms face "pilot trap" from fragmented trials; top-down leadership and focus on key operations needed; startups advantaged by embedding AI early.
- AI could automate 57% of US workplace hours, shifted 12M jobs by 2023, unlock $2.9T value by 2030; future emphasizes human-AI collaboration skills.
- McKinsey & Company
- McKinsey & Company reports that ~90% of global firms experiment with AI, but only 40% see financial returns (<5% EBIT for most). China chief Joe Ngai highlights adoption bottlenecks. A Nov 2025 survey shows <10% achieve organization-wide deployment. A report estimates AI could automate 57% of US workplace hours, unlocking $2.9T value by 2030. (58 words)
- PODCAST
- MOST POPULAR
Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook
Sign in with 财新