For the second straight year, Deloitte surveyed executives knowledgeable about cognitive technologies and artificial intelligence,1 representing companies that are testing and implementing them today. We found that these early adopters2 remain bullish on cognitive technologies’ value. As in last year’s survey, the level of support for AI is truly extraordinary. Our analysis uncovered three main findings: * Early adopters are ramping up their AI investments, launching more initiatives, and getting positive returns. Cloud-based cognitive services are increasing adoption by reducing the investment and expertise required to get started. * Companies should improve risk and change management. This includes reducing cybersecurity vulnerabilities—which can slow or even stop AI initiatives—and managing ethical risks. Project selection and managing return on investment are also critical. * Early adopters need the right mix of talent—not just technical skills—to accelerate their progress. They are short of AI researchers and programmers but also need business leaders who can select the best use cases. To garner this talent, they are training their current workforce, but many feel the need to replace existing workers with new people. Early adopters also may need a strategic approach to talent that automates what machines do best, while still capitalizing on human judgment and creativity. These findings illustrate that cognitive technologies hold enticing promise, some of which is being fulfilled today. However, AI technologies may deliver their best returns when companies balance excitement over their potential with the ability to execute