Is your AI engine running on empty?

Mind the gap: Bridging the divide between AI ambition and execution

Most organisations are racing toward an AI-powered future, but many are finding their engines are stalling. This is the AI Readiness Gap—the distance between a vision for innovation and the reality of fragmented data and legacy infrastructure.

While the potential for growth is immense, 42% of local leaders cite cybersecurity and "Shadow AI" as significant risks to their progress. As businesses find themselves "stuck in the middle" of their journey, the difference between success and failure comes down to the quality of your "fuel."

If your data isn't unified, governed, and accessible, your AI initiatives are effectively running on empty. Our latest blog, based on the insights from AI expert Adam Spencer, breaks down the three critical steps to closing the readiness gap, securing your data perimeter, and moving your organisation from pilot phase to peak performance.

Read the full roadmap.

AI is only as powerful as the data that drives it.

Based on insights from 500 global senior decision-makers including Australian executives, this whitepaper unpacks what it truly takes to be AI-ready.

Developed by Iron Mountain in partnership with FT Longitude, this report explores how organisations around the world are preparing their data for the age of AI and the critical risks they face if they fall behind. It also uncovers the real state of AI readiness and reveals the steps businesses must take to maximise data potential and unlock long-term value.

While global in scope, the findings reveal that Australia is emerging as a standout market - ambitious, fast-moving, and acutely aware of the work still to be done:

• 92% of Australian organisations are already seeing benefits from their AI strategies - 14% above the global average.
• 42% of local leaders cite cybersecurity as a top concern (34% globally), signalling a need to build internal capability alongside technical infrastructure.
• Despite strong progress, data integrity issues still cost Australian firms over $300,000 annually, highlighting the importance of scalable governance.
• Organisations are seeking to refine unstructured data to fuel AI models.

With both momentum and maturity on their side, Australian businesses are well-positioned to lead but only if they address the foundational challenges head-on.

See how your data strategy compares, download the full report now.

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