By @TechRadar
Publication Date: 2026-01-22 15:07:00
Every technological revolution brings with it both opportunity and uncertainty. The rapid rise of AI is no exception. So it’s no wonder that alongside the excitement and experimentation, a familiar question also arises: Are we heading towards an AI bubble – and what would happen if it burst?
Managing Director at Slalom.
Investment in AI across predictive, generative and agent-based technologies has increased as companies struggle to capture value. Research from Slalom shows that 62% of British and Irish executives expect a return on AI investments within just two years, a level of impatience reminiscent of the early days of the internet boom.
Media narratives reflect this tension, oscillating between optimism and warnings of a dot-com correction.
The real test now is whether AI can deliver lasting, measurable impact and move from promise to performance.
AI: Is it a bubble?
A “tech bubble” typically refers to inflated valuations caused by…