2026 state of AI in strategic partnering and alliance management: preliminary results
Here are preliminary results from our 2026 survey compared with our 2025 results. As of early August 2026, 103 professionals from Search & Evaluation, Business Development and Alliance Management have responded and the survey is still ongoing.
One year on: adoption is up and impact is increasing
Daily use increased fifteen percent in a year, and three in four partnering professionals now use AI at least weekly (77%, up from 65%). The share reporting significantly improved efficiency or effectiveness increased from 14% to 33%.
Everyday uses deepen and a second wave emerges
Drafting, document analysis and research remain the main uses, and each grew year over year. Two newly measured uses debut near the top: preparing internal recommendations and drafting meeting agendas and minutes.
Trust is a significant barrier to adoption
Concerns about accuracy or reliability topped the list of barriers to adoption this year, suggesting that trust in AI output is a significant issue as usage deepens.
Biggest barriers to using AI in partnering today
Still to come in the full report
- The complete set of AI uses across search & evaluation, business development and alliance management
- Where partnering teams have the least visibility across the lifecycle, and the capabilities they want next
- How organizations rate their AI maturity, their priorities and their confidence in AI-generated intelligence
- Qualitative insights and lessons from our workshops and discussions with partnering leaders
- Full year-over-year details on adoption, impact and barriers, with practical takeaways for your own AI plans
Take the survey and receive the full report
The survey takes about 3 minutes, and every respondent receives a complimentary copy of the full report with our analysis. Take the survey.
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