India, Oct. 16 -- A small group of businesses, dubbed "Pacesetters," are widening the gap in AI adoption and performance, according to the Cisco AI Readiness Index 2025, which surveyed over 8,000 AI and business leaders across 30 global markets. These leading firms, which represent 13% of organisations globally and 17% in India, move past testing AI; they put it into operation. Pacesetters are three times more likely than their peers to scale AI pilot programs and 72% more likely to realise measurable business value.

The leaders' secret lies in a system-level approach that balances strategy, infrastructure, and governance.

The research identifies clear differences that give Pacesetters their competitive edge. These firms make AI a centr...