Generative AI (GenAI) is no longer a promise. It’s an expanding infrastructure, and in 2025, it represents both a critical challenge and a historic opportunity.
The 2025 Digital Maturity Report (IMD 2025) reveals a landscape full of contrasts, on one hand, notable progress in basic digital transformation; on the other, an alarming lag in artificial intelligence maturity.
The real question isn’t whether to adopt GenAI, it’s when and how to do it strategically.
At digital elephant, we broke down the key findings from the IMD 2025 to deliver a practical, actionable outlook on what american companies should prioritize over the next 12 months.
I. A Troubling Gap: Digital Maturity vs. AI Maturity
How digitally mature are Mexican businesses?
According to IMD 2025, Mexican companies have reached 41.7% general digital maturity. This progress includes:
- Cloud adoption
- Consolidated e-commerce
- Digitized admin processes
- Strengthened online presence
It’s solid progress—but also partial.
What about AI maturity?
Only 1% of businesses have achieved an acceptable level of AI maturity.
This means that while digital tools may be in place, AI is not yet integrated strategically or operationally into decision-making, innovation, or processes.
“Digitization is not the same as becoming intelligent.”
— IMD 2025 Executive Summary
II. Mexico 2025: The GenAI Crossroads
Why are the next 12 months so critical?
The report is clear: the period between 2025 and 2026 will be a turning point. Companies have two options:
- Keep slowly digitalizing
- Or adopt Generative AI as a growth engine and competitive edge
What’s at stake?
- Operational efficiency
- Sustainable innovation
- Real customer connection
- Global market relevance
What do early adopters gain?
- Advanced process automation
- Hyper-personalized services
- Predictive marketing
- More agile, resilient org structures
III. The 3 Strategic Impact Pillars of GenAI in Mexico
1. Customer Experience (CX): Cultural intelligence and real personalization
GenAI allows for hyper-personalized interactions with contextual and cultural awareness.
This isn’t just a chatbot—it’s an empathetic assistant that:
- Understands regional variations in Mexican Spanish
- Offers relevant solutions based on user behavior and history
- Enhances CX across retail, tourism, finance, and more
Outcomes:
- Higher satisfaction
- Stronger loyalty
- Seamless 24/7 support
2. Operational Efficiency & Intelligent Automation
GenAI enables companies to:
- Predict operational failures
- Optimize logistics routes
- Auto-generate technical and marketing content
- Eliminate internal process bottlenecks
Outcomes:
- Lower costs
- Teams freed up for strategic work
- Faster, data-driven decisions
3. Global Competitiveness from Mexico
GenAI boosts:
- Rapid development of products and services
- Automated cultural adaptation of content
- Proactive response to market shifts
Outcomes:
- Recognition as an innovative brand
- Greater access to international markets
- Resilience in the face of disruption
IV. Key Barriers to GenAI Adoption in Mexico
1. Lack of strategic understanding
GenAI is still seen as a “lab tech.” Executive education is needed to translate potential into real business impact.
2. Cost concerns
While some tools seem expensive, many operate on accessible models (APIs, SaaS).
The real cost is in not acting. ROI may not be immediate—but it compounds.
3. Talent shortage
Internal upskilling is key. It’s not just about technical roles—managers, creatives, and decision-makers must understand AI.
4. Rigid organizational culture
AI requires a cultural transformation, not just a technical one.
Leadership, communication, and collaboration between IT and business are essential.
5. Ethics and trust
Every implementation must consider transparency, privacy, and fairness.
Powerful AI without ethics is a brand without trust.
V. What Now? Digital Elephant’s Role
At Digital Elephant, we help Mexican companies move from basic digitization to applied intelligence.
How we do it:
- Strategic AI maturity diagnostics
- Real-world use case design for GenAI
- Implementation of accessible solutions
- Tailored training for internal teams
- Clear KPIs and ongoing impact measuremen
Why is GenAI adoption still low in Mexico? Because of lack of awareness, limited talent, perceived high costs, and cultural resistance to change.
Why is GenAI adoption still low in Mexico?
Because of lack of awareness, limited talent, perceived high costs, and cultural resistance to change.
First steps to adopting GenAI:
- Understand the real benefits
- Map viable use cases
- Train your team
- Launch pilot projects
- Measure impact and scale
Generative AI is the Inflection Point
2025 is not a year for observation—it’s a year for execution.
Mexican companies that integrate GenAI strategically won’t just compete—they’ll lead.
At Digital Elephant, we work with organizations ready to build an intelligent, agile, and human future.
Ready to start your journey toward GenAI maturity? Let’s talk.
