Why AI Pilots Stall — And How to Fix It
New Research: Architecture as Strategy
The UC Berkeley Haas × Keenan Vision study reveals how leaders are moving beyond pilot purgatory with the Value–Cost–Risk framework and Overlay vs Embedded architecture patterns.
Research conducted June–September 2025
Research Team: Abhishek Nagaraj, Ph.D. • Stanley Choi, MBA • Alecia Wall, MBA (Fall 2025) • Vernon Keenan • Chris Pearson
Key Findings
Our research with 48 enterprise executives uncovered the practical frameworks leaders use to escape pilot purgatory.
Why AI Pilots Stall
Four root causes keep AI initiatives stuck: executive pressure without strategy, skills gaps, the promise-reality gap, and confusing capability with technology.
Read more →The VCR Framework
Nine decision factors across Value, Cost, and Risk dimensions help prioritize AI investments and choose between architectural patterns with confidence.
Read more →Overlay vs Embedded → Hybrid
Two distinct architecture patterns with clear tradeoffs. Leaders execute pragmatic hybrid portfolios: “Overlay now, embedded forever.”
Read more →How We Help
Turn research insights into action with our advisory and research services.
ISV Advisory
VCR-aligned positioning, Overlay/Embedded roadmaps, and vendor galleries for AI product companies.
Enterprise AI Architecture
Portfolio assessment, VCR scoring, and hybrid migration strategies for platform organizations.
Cognitive DevOps Research
Primary research programs, vendor galleries, and decision frameworks for AI-powered development.
FDE Advisory
Foundation for Data Excellence: curricula, governance, and change management for data-driven organizations.
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