The 2026 Contract Intelligence Index Report reveals a global challenge in contract management, with 77% of enterprise employees and 75% of legal professionals across 10 countries unsure about contract ownership, storage, and management. The report highlights a "Contract Intelligence Divide" between organizations that effectively leverage contract intelligence for business growth and those struggling with fragmented processes.
Key findings and data:
- Global impact of legal: 43% of enterprise employees and 50% of legal professionals identify legal's impact on profitability as the most significant, followed by revenue generation (36%) and growth (36%).
- Contract ownership gaps: Four critical gaps undermine contract ownership:
- Approvals: 33% of legal professionals are excluded from approval cycles.
- Storage: 60% lack a centralized contract management system, storing contracts in personal drives (22%) or email (20%).
- Tracking: Only 26% consistently track contract obligations.
- Enforcement: 63% of legal professionals enforce contracts they never approved.
- Contract intelligence benefits: Organizations sharing contract intelligence see measurable improvements in profitability (43%), revenue growth (36%), and productivity (30%).
- Adoption barriers: Lack of business prioritization, resource shortages, and expertise are the primary obstacles, particularly in Asia (Singapore: 54% cite lack of resources).
Conclusion:
The report underscores that contract ownership confusion and fragmented management create a "CI Divide," hindering AI's ability to optimize contract intelligence. Organizations that resolve these gaps and adopt contract intelligence see rapid returns, with benefits materializing within weeks to months. The report emphasizes the need for systemic changes to bridge the divide and unlock the full value of contracts for business growth.
