New Smartsheet Report Finds AI Adoption Is Racing Ahead of Readiness in Project and Portfolio Management

Why It Matters

The gap between AI enthusiasm and operational readiness threatens to waste investment and limit productivity gains in project management, a critical function for enterprise execution. Unified AI‑enabled work platforms could unlock measurable efficiency and strategic value, reshaping how organizations manage change and deliver projects.

Summary

Smartsheet’s 2026 Project and Portfolio Management Priorities Report finds that while 98% of PPM professionals are reshuffling work to meet shifting business demands and 87% view AI as a strategic opportunity, most firms lack the unified tools and governance needed to realize AI’s benefits. Adoption is uneven—94% of executives use AI at least occasionally versus 69% of individual contributors—and fragmented systems hinder measurable impact, with only 39% saying their tools clearly demonstrate contributions to project success. The report warns that rapid AI experimentation without integration creates new silos, and recommends Intelligent Work Management platforms that embed AI into existing workflows, unify data, and provide audit‑ready governance to drive tangible outcomes.