The dual disconnect: addressing AI maturity gaps in enterprises

JumpCloud has unveiled its Q1 2026 IT Trends Report, titled "The Dual Disconnect: Why Your AI Maturity Now Fails to Scale." The research highlights a significant gap in enterprise AI readiness. While 40% of organisations consider themselves AI mature, only 22% meet the objective IT standards necessary to scale effectively.

The adoption of AI is nearly universal, with 99.6% of organisations engaging in some form of AI. However, the report notes that fragmented IT infrastructures leave 60% of professionals unable to address rapidly evolving security threats. The study identifies a notable difference between perceived AI maturity and actual operational readiness.

Key insights include:

• Maturity Illusion: Although many IT leaders view their AI practices as advanced, only 22% meet rigorous standards for AI readiness.
• Balancing Productivity and Risk: While 90% of leaders report productivity benefits from AI, 74% express concerns about security risks, particularly unauthorised data access and AI-generated phishing.
• Emergence of Shadow AI: 61% of organisations report using unsanctioned AI tools, creating gaps in visibility and governance.
• Need for Unified Systems: 85% of IT leaders stress the importance of secure identity and access management (IAM) in scaling AI safely.

The report emphasises that secure AI deployment relies on consolidation rather than speed. It notes that organisations with fragmented IT infrastructures face challenges in monitoring and managing both human and AI users. Coordinating identity and access controls across the organisation can reduce risk and help ensure AI initiatives scale more safely and consistently.

The study suggests that bridging the gap between perceived and actual AI readiness is essential for protecting enterprise operations and securing emerging AI workflows. Consolidating IAM practices and IT systems provides a foundation for organisations to manage AI responsibly while supporting growth and productivity.