# Corporate adoption of AI operating models

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/corporate-adoption-of-ai-operating-models
> Updated: 2026-08-10T05:58:31.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

The corporate landscape is experiencing a significant shift toward AI-enabled operating models as a primary driver for profitable growth. Research from The Hackett Group indicates that selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses have reached five-year highs in North America and Europe, suggesting that traditional cost-reduction methods are becoming less effective. Consequently, the channel AI ecosystem is projected to grow from $14.2 billion in 2024 to $41.8 billion by 2029.

As the market expands, a credibility gap has emerged; while most channel partners view AI consulting as a major growth driver, only 55.6% claim to possess deep expertise. This has led to academic partnerships aimed at providing third-party validation for consultants.

Individual firms are responding to these trends through structural changes. For example, IT services provider q. beyond AG is accelerating its own AI transformation, which includes establishing a new location in Cluj, Romania, to provide AI-assisted 24/7 customer support. This move is intended to generate significant long-term savings. Industry analysis suggests that for such transformations to succeed, organizations must focus on workflow redesign and employee implementation rather than simply deploying new tools.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Uniper reports surging profits amid German privatization plans

Uniper reported a surge in first-half 2026 profits to €388 million as Germany begins a process to privatize the utility. However, gas price stability remains threatened by geopolitical tensions in the Strait of

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/q-beyond-accelerates-ai-transformation-and-reports-q2-2026-results

### 2026-07-31: The Hackett Group reports record SG&A costs as AI operating models surge

Record SG&A costs push firms toward AI operating models; channel partners see AI software and consulting as top growth drivers, with the AI market forecast to reach $41.8 B by 2029. Baycurrent partners with the

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/the-hackett-group-reports-record-sga-costs-as-ai-operating-models-surge

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Cite as: Corporate adoption of AI operating models. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/corporate-adoption-of-ai-operating-models