EY Teigland: Why Human Capital is the True Driver of AI ROI in 2026

Think your AI strategy's complete? It's not unless you've accounted for the humans behind the screens. According to Reuters, EY's global TMT leader Christy Teigland warns that firms must invest in real people to truly gain from AI. As we move through 2026, the gap between buying tech and harvesting its value is widening for those who ignore the human element.

The EY AI Human Talent Investment Strategy

Teigland emphasized that while billions are being funneled into AI infrastructure, a disproportionately small amount is going toward upskilling the workforce. Data suggests that nearly 70% of digital transformation projects fail due to cultural and talent-related hurdles rather than technical glitches. Without humans who can ask the right questions and audit AI outputs, these tools become expensive liabilities rather than assets.

Maximizing ROI Through People

For business leaders in 2026, the priority's shifting from 'acquisition' to 'integration.' This means redefining job roles so employees focus on high-level strategy while AI handles the grunt work. It's not about replacing people; it's about amplifying their capabilities through a structured investment in their technical literacy.