U.S. Manufacturing AI Investment Encounters 'Returns Drought': The Problem Is Not Technology, But Procurement Process
A Grant Thornton survey shows that although AI adoption in U.S. manufacturing is high, zero companies report significant revenue or cost savings. The deeper issue lies in procurement driven by anxiety rather than specific problems, lacking financial metrics and accountability. The article examines the challenges of implementing AI in manufacturing and proposes a solution: replace technology worship with procurement discipline.