IBM’s report states that 85% of executives say technical debt is a significant barrier to creating a competitive advantage with AI, while 69% say tech debt can render some initiatives financially untenable. The Benefits of Upgrading Systems and Removing Technical DebtBy upgrading systems and removing technical debt, companies can improve reliability, reduce long-term costs, strengthen security and free up teams to focus on innovation instead of troubleshooting, Niazi explains. Niazi explains that smaller businesses can reduce technical debt by prioritizing the highest-impact issues, modernizing systems in phases, standardizing tools and platforms, and dedicating ongoing time for maintenance. The IBM report identifies several ways to unlock ROI while reducing technical debt. “It’s important for business leaders of any size organization to recognize that addressing technical debt isn’t a one-time exercise,” Niazi says.