Insights on Artificial Intelligence

From machine learning operations and organizational change to ethical considerations and emerging use cases, this is QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey’s latest thinking on how organizations can most effectively and responsibly use AI to create business value.

Featured Insights

The missing data link: Five practical lessons to scale your data products

As companies increasingly rely on data to innovate and grow, ineffective (or nonexistent) data product practices have become a top strategic issue.

Earth represented by little dots and curved lines - big data, global business, cryptocurrency 3D render

Report

Leading, not lagging: Africa’s gen AI opportunity

May 12, 2025 -

Gen AI is set to create significant value across sectors, and Africa has an opportunity to leapfrog other regions to capitalize on this transformative technology.

A hand-drawn illustration of John Chambers. The drawing features precise lines and subtle shading, using black and white tones for face and blues for attire.

Podcast

Lead or lag: CEOs must embrace AI at full speed

May 7, 2025 -

Renowned business leader John Chambers says AI disruption is this generation’s internet revolution.

Numerous strands of light radiate from various areas at the bottom of the picture and scatter into luminous dots in the middle. The backdrop is a deep blue color with a see-through map of the world.

Report

Open source technology in the age of AI

April 22, 2025 -

With more organizations deploying gen AI across business functions, a new survey finds that leaders are increasingly turning to open source AI solutions to build out their tech stacks.

Delicate blue and purple tendrils constantly expanding. These tendrils bear a resemblance to neurons, with luminous buds at their tips.

Survey

The state of AI: How organizations are rewiring to capture value

March 12, 2025 -

Organizations are beginning to create the structures and processes that lead to meaningful value from gen AI. While still in early days, companies are redesigning workflows, elevating governance, and mitigating more risks.

Scaling for impact

Two letters A (for artificial) and I (for intelligence) made from transparent and glowing cubes connected by wires are floating against a dark background.

Article - McKinsey Quarterly

Strategic alliances for gen AI: How to build them and make them work

May 22, 2024 -

Strategic alliances are a must for companies looking to build value from generative AI. But approaching them like traditional vendor arrangements won’t work.

One large blue ball in mid air above many smaller blue, green, purple and white balls

Article

Moving past gen AI’s honeymoon phase: Seven hard truths for CIOs to get from pilot to scale

May 13, 2024 -

Getting to scale requires CIOs to focus on fewer things but do them better.

Light dots and lines evolve into a pattern of a human face and continue to stream off the the side in a moving grid pattern.

Report

The economic potential of generative AI: The next productivity frontier

June 14, 2023 -

Generative AI is poised to unleash the next wave of productivity. We take a first look at where business value could accrue and the potential impacts on the workforce.

Executive guides

Futuristic chatbot icon processing texts and commands over CPU. CGI 3D render - stock photo

Report

Beyond the hype: Capturing the potential of AI and gen AI in tech, media, and telecom

February 22, 2024 -

This collection presents the top insights on gen AI from McKinsey and its AI arm, QuantumBlack, providing a detailed examination of the significant opportunities and challenges it offers for leaders looking to steer their organizations into the future.

Moving illustration of wavy blue lines that was produced using computer code

Article

What every CEO should know about generative AI

May 12, 2023 -

Generative AI is evolving at record speed while CEOs are still learning the technology’s business value and risks. Here, we offer some of the generative AI essentials.

Four X-cube Prisms in a Row on Silver Background Close-up View - stock photo

Article

Four essential questions for boards to ask about generative AI

July 7, 2023 -

Boards are responsible for how generative AI is used at the companies they oversee. Asking company leaders the right questions will help unlock the technology’s value while managing its risk.

Industry perspectives

Artificial Neural Network Technology - Concept. Glowing AI chip

Article

Scaling the AI-native telco

February 27, 2025 -

With telcos aiming to integrate AI throughout their organizations, here’s how they can unlock the full potential while positioning themselves for the next wave of innovation.

Digital generated image of robot's hand touching human's hand through transparent digital panel with numbers on black background

Article

Gen AI: A game changer for biopharma operations

January 28, 2025 -

From the shop floor to the supply chain, gen AI can transform how biopharma companies operate. Four use cases show how it can enhance productivity, improve quality, and reduce costs.