Consequently, boards question whether experimental tools justify their price. Moreover, only 22% of organisations hold a visible AI strategy, yet those plans double revenue growth odds. In contrast, 59% admit they do not track returns at all, according to DLA Piper’s analysis. These figures matter because investors crave hard numbers, not anecdotes. Therefore, the conversation is shifting from capability to accountability.

This article unpacks the evidence, contrasts sector practices, and outlines pragmatic steps for Professional Services executives seeking credible metrics. Readers will also find a link to an AI Prompt Engineer™ certification that aligns talent with outcome programmes.

Adoption Surges, Measurement Lags

Thomson Reuters surveyed 2,275 professionals across regions. Furthermore, 53% reported early returns from AI deployments. Nevertheless, only 20% employ formal Measurement frameworks, creating the second documented ROI Disconnect.

Moreover, firms with explicit strategies were twice as likely to claim revenue gains. They were also 3.5 times more likely to realise operational savings. Meanwhile, organisations without baselines chase pilot counts instead of profit signals. Consequently, adoption statistics mask inefficiency.

Early gains exist, yet inconsistent baselines skew perception. However, the next section shows why strategy changes the game.

Strategy Boosts ROI Odds

Steve Hasker, Thomson Reuters CEO, argues that an articulated plan converts curiosity into cash. Additionally, the research links visible strategies with doubled revenue impact, shrinking the ROI Disconnect for those leaders. Professional Services firms that codify goals, stakeholders, and timelines unlock clearer attribution.

In contrast, firms lacking governance pursue technology because competitors do. Consequently, cost overruns surface when boards request audited numbers. Such scrutiny intensifies because macro conditions tighten budgets.

1. Define business KPIs before deployment.
2. Capture baseline data for later comparison.
3. Blend financial, operational, and risk metrics.
4. Review outcomes after 12–24 months.

These pillars translate ambition into evidence. Meanwhile, the legal sector offers concrete lessons.

Legal Sector Insights Deepen

The “ROI of Legal Tech & AI” study polled 1,000 lawyers across APAC, ME, and ANZ. Moreover, 65% of law firms reported an AI strategy or responsible-use policy, while in-house teams reached 79%. Nevertheless, only 20% track returns rigorously, maintaining the pervasive ROI Disconnect.

Differing maturity levels illustrate a broader Professional Services trend. Law firms chase client retention and risk reduction, yet many still rely on proxy metrics like document turnaround time. Consequently, innovation benefits remain hidden.

Proper Measurement would link saved lawyer hours to billable utilisation, thereby valuing hidden efficiency.

Sector data proves strategy matters, yet tooling alone is insufficient. Therefore, the next section explores frameworks that institutionalise accountability.

Building Robust Measurement Frameworks

Consultancies like DLA Piper advise clients to embed Measurement plans during procurement. Additionally, Deloitte warns that 41% of companies struggle to calculate AI value. Such figures intensify the ROI Disconnect across industries.

Experts recommend blending finance, operations, risk, and experience metrics. Consequently, dashboards show both quick wins and long-horizon innovation gains. Industry leaders can replicate the approach by mapping each workflow to a business outcome.

Agentic AI modules also assist by logging usage, latency, and outcome tags automatically. Nevertheless, human auditors must verify causality and adjust baselines.

Structured frameworks close evidence gaps, allowing leaders to defend budgets. However, emerging Agentic AI trends may shift expectations again.

Emergent Agentic AI Potential

Agentic AI refers to systems that plan, execute, and learn across tasks with minimal supervision. Moreover, the model supports contextual reasoning, aiding lawyers and accountants with proactive suggestions.

Consequently, potential ROI multiplies, yet so does complexity. Accurate Measurement must evolve from static snapshots to continuous telemetry. Otherwise, another ROI Disconnect will appear.

Professionals may bridge skills gaps through the AI Prompt Engineer™ programme. Furthermore, certified staff document prompt design choices, enhancing audit trails for compliance.

Meanwhile, Agentic AI governance modules surface drift signals, triggering timely interventions.

Agentic capabilities unlock scale, yet vigilance is essential. Subsequently, governance and talent strategies must align.

Governance, Skills, Next Steps

Boards increasingly ask for validated numbers, not prototypes. Additionally, regulators focus on explainability, especially within Professional Services that influence client risk.

Consequently, organisations that document KPIs, timelines, and accountability shrink the ROI Disconnect and build stakeholder trust. Nevertheless, culture change remains difficult.

Leaders should:

• Create cross-functional steering committees with finance visibility.
• Invest in staff training through recognised certifications.
• Adopt phased releases with rolling Measurement reviews.

These actions embed accountability and accelerate trusted adoption. Consequently, the persistent ROI Disconnect can finally close.

Thomson Reuters’ data, expert commentary, and sector comparisons tell a coherent story. Furthermore, organisations with strategy, baselines, and skilled teams capture provable gains.

In contrast, those ignoring metrics risk wasted spend and board scrutiny.

The ROI Disconnect remains a headline concern for investors and regulators.

Nevertheless, Professional Services leaders can close the ROI Disconnect by fusing robust governance with modern tools and certified talent.