IPR Research Shows Communicators Driving Generative AI Adoption

New study finds communicators are central to making generative AI work in organizations.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A new report from the Institute for Public Relations, sponsored by New York Life, reveals that communicators are playing a crucial role in driving the adoption of generative AI within organizations. The study, based on interviews with 30 communication and technology leaders, finds that communicators are emerging as catalysts for generative AI adoption, helping to translate technical capabilities into shared understanding, trust, and action.

Why it matters

As generative AI moves from experimentation to everyday use, this research highlights the critical role communicators play in bridging the gap between IT, leadership, and employees. By shaping how AI is governed, explained, and embedded into day-to-day work, communicators are essential to ensuring successful long-term transformation.

The details

The study identifies three distinct stages of organizational AI maturity and finds that across all stages, communicators act as translators, aligning technical teams with business goals and employee realities. The primary drivers of adoption are productivity and efficiency (90% of respondents), followed by innovation (77%) and improved insights and reporting (70%). Visible leadership involvement is also crucial, as it signals that generative AI is a strategic priority, not a side experiment.

  • The IPR Signature Study was conducted between August 25 and October 5, 2025.
  • The research findings were published on February 12, 2026.

The players

Institute for Public Relations (IPR)

A nonprofit organization dedicated to the science beneath the art of public relations and corporate communication.

New York Life

A major insurance company that sponsored the IPR research on generative AI adoption.

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What’s next

The full IPR report includes additional findings and research-backed best practices for advancing generative AI adoption across organizations.

The takeaway

This research highlights the critical role communicators play in driving the successful adoption of generative AI within organizations. By bridging the gap between technology, leadership, and employees, communicators are essential to ensuring that the benefits of AI are realized and that the transformation is sustainable in the long run.