Parallels

2026-05-22

AI Pilot Failures Mirror 1980s IT Productivity Paradox

Enterprise AI pilots stalling before production parallels 1980s-90s IT productivity paradox. Both patterns repeat because organizations invest in technology without restructuring operating models, data governance, and organizational design. The difference: AI pilots fail faster (months vs years) because AI requires continuous data pipelines rather than one-time software deployment.

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2026-05-22

AI Consulting Partnerships Mirror 1960s Management Consulting Boom

Microsoft-EY $1B+ AI partnership parallels 1960s consulting expansion. Both patterns repeat because executives outsource strategic thinking under uncertainty when new technologies disrupt operating models. The difference: AI vendors are vertically integrated (building tools they advise on), unlike 1960s pure-services consultants.

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