Sixty-five of business leaders believe no one at their organisation understands all the data collected by their firm and how to access it, a new survey reveals.

SoftServe, an IT consulting and digital services provider, released the survey results on the state of data management in 2025, unveiling significant benefits of strong data foundations while exposing the widespread deficits in data maturity affecting most businesses.

The majority of the 750 business leaders surveyed barely grasps the value of their data, and 58% say key business decisions are based on inaccurate or inconsistent data – most of the time, if not always – raising concerns for companies across industries and borders.

The survey assesses data readiness in enterprises by the degree of data quality, strategy, organisation, investment, and governance implemented.

Responses indicate a lack of knowledge in data management is coupled with an internal disconnect and noticeable divide between the C-suite, VPs, and senior management, putting entire organizations at odds when it comes to how data is used, acquired, and funded.

Many respondents acknowledge that it might be tie to hit refresh on their data strategy as 73% report major updates or a complete overhaul is needed, and nearly all (98%) believe an updated data strategy would be required for strategic initiatives like GenAI.

While less visibility among leaders can lead to skewed perceptions of data comprehension, the division grows with 78% of VPs and 61% of directors – but just 44% of those at C-level – claim their organisation’s investment priorities are negatively impacted by leaders not fully understanding how data can generate value.

For 60%, decision-makers getting access to data when they need it is a challenge – and one that may not be an easy fix, as the majority (51%) of the 58% whose organisation makes most or all decisions using inaccurate or inconsistent data now believe a significant increase in data management investment is needed to meet their goals.

Nearly three-fourths (73%) believe poor prioritisation has diverted needed funds and talents away from valuable data projects to broad genAI initiatives with weaker return on investment.

All deficits aside, the survey results include a silver lining: strong data management has allowed organizations to open new revenue streams (44%) or monetize their data (38%) with the right infrastructure and governance to transform information into a vital source of income.

Organisations also attributed increases in productivity and efficiency (54%), as well as improved decision-making and forecasting abilities (49%), to having strong data foundations.

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Most respondents hope to follow suit this year as the bulk (85%) prepare to slightly or significantly increase their data budget and nearly half (42%) of those with a fully mature data strategy expect to significantly increase their overall data investments.

“An impactful data strategy is not about perfection, but prioritisation,” said Rodion Myronov, AVP of Technology at SoftServe.

“It’s about gaining maturity where it matters most for your business by prioritizing the missing piece of the whole data puzzle, not tossing it aside for the next shiny new toy.

“Establishing a mature data strategy helps reinforce organisational foundations, so you can pursue bigger and better puzzles and projects in the future.”