TLDR: A recent report by Solvd, ‘CIO & CTO insights: AI research 2025,’ indicates that a vast majority (97%) of tech executives are concerned about the unethical deployment of artificial intelligence within their organizations. Despite these high levels of concern, only 38% of companies have formal internal oversight mechanisms in place. The study highlights a ‘high-stakes paradox’ where leaders are pressured to accelerate AI investments for ROI while grappling with ethical challenges, governance gaps, and economic uncertainties.
A new research report from Solvd, an AI-first advisory and digital engineering firm, has brought to light a significant apprehension among technology leaders regarding the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. The ‘CIO & CTO insights: AI research 2025’ report, based on a survey conducted by Wakefield Research among 500 U.S. CIOs and CTOs at companies with a minimum annual revenue of $500 million, reveals that a staggering 97% of these executives are concerned about the unethical use of AI within their companies.
Despite this overwhelming concern, a substantial ‘ethical AI implementation gap’ exists, with only 38% of respondents reporting that their organizations have formal internal oversight in place to address these issues. The research, fielded between July 24 and August 4, 2025, underscores a ‘high-stakes paradox’ where the rapid advancement and adoption of AI are occurring without adequate ethical safeguards.
The report identifies several key themes shaping the current AI landscape, including the ethical AI implementation gap, challenges in governance, economic uncertainty, and intense pressure on leaders to demonstrate a quick return on investment (ROI).
Regarding governance, technology leaders largely feel the burden of internal oversight. However, opinions are divided on external regulation: 87% believe that excessive regulation could stifle innovation, yet a majority (61%) still advocate for government oversight as a long-term solution.
Economic factors also play a crucial role, with 54% of leaders expressing significant concern about a potential recession. Concurrently, 50% are accelerating their AI investments, indicating a drive to leverage AI for competitive advantage even in uncertain economic times. This pressure is compounded by the finding that 71% of executives believe their leadership has unrealistic expectations regarding AI’s ROI.
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Adam Gabrault, CEO of Solvd, commented on the findings, stating, ‘AI is moving at breakneck speed, but speed alone isn’t a strategy.’ He emphasized the need for organizations to move beyond endless pilots and proofs of concept to achieve real impact through ‘discipline, accountability, and a relentless focus on delivering results.’ Gabrault further added, ‘AI shouldn’t be a case of ‘adopt now, think about ethics later.” The report suggests that without proactive oversight, companies risk significant regulatory and reputational damage if stricter standards are eventually implemented, potentially leading to costly and complex retroactive fixes.
