© 2026 MIT Center for Information Systems Research, Van der Meulen, Lefebvre, and Wixom. MIT CISR Research Briefings are published monthly to update the center’s member organizations on current research projects.
Audio
Mapping the Generative AI Risk Space
Leaders must first understand where risks emerge to manage GenAI risk effectively, as described in this audio edition of the January 2026 research briefing.
Abstract
Generative AI (GenAI) risks have multiplied as organizations progress from GenAI tools and solutions to AI agents—amplified by massive, decentralized demand. But not all risks are alike. This briefing maps the GenAI risk space, identifying which components of GenAI implementations give rise to risk: from training data and foundation models through prompts, outputs, and use decisions. RAG and AI agents expand this space further. Drawing on 62 interviews with data and technology executives, we distinguish embedded risks—inherited with the technology—from enacted risks, which emerge from organizational choices. Each type of risk requires a different response. Leaders should inventory their GenAI deployments, assign accountability, and establish audit trails that log prompts, outputs, and human interventions.
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About the Researchers
Nick van der Meulen, Research Scientist, MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)
Hippolyte Lefebvre, Assistant Professor in Management Information Systems, University College Dublin and Research Collaborator, MIT CISR
Barbara H. Wixom, Principal Research Scientist, MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR)
MIT CENTER FOR INFORMATION SYSTEMS RESEARCH (CISR)
Founded in 1974 and grounded in MIT's tradition of combining academic knowledge and practical purpose, MIT CISR helps executives meet the challenge of leading increasingly digital and data-driven organizations. We work directly with digital leaders, executives, and boards to develop our insights. Our research is funded by member organizations that support our work and participate in our consortium.
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Alcon Vision
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AustralianSuper
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Banco do Brasil S.A.
Barclays (UK)
BNP Paribas (France)
Bupa
Caterpillar, Inc.
Cemex (Mexico)
Cencora
CIBC (Canada)
Cochlear Limited (Australia)
Commonwealth Superannuation Corp. (Australia)
Cuscal Limited (Australia)
Dawn Foods
DBS Bank Ltd. (Singapore)
Doosan Corporation (Korea)
Ericsson (Sweden)
Fidelity Investments
Fomento Economico Mexicano, S.A.B., de C.V.
Genentech
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International Motors
Jewelers Mutual
JPMorgan Chase
Kaiser Permanente
Keurig Dr Pepper
King & Wood Mallesons (Australia)
Mater Private Hospital (Ireland)
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Nomura Holdings, Inc. (Japan)
Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. Systems Consulting Division (Japan)
Novo Nordisk A/S (Denmark)
OCP Group
Pacific Life Insurance Company
Pentagon Federal Credit Union
Posten Bring AS (Norway)
Principal Life Insurance Company
Ralliant
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RTX
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Schneider Electric Industries SAS (France)
Tabcorp Holdings (Australia)
Telstra Limited (Australia)
Terumo Corporation (Japan)
UniSuper Management Pty Ltd (Australia)
Uniting (Australia)
Vanguard
WestRock Company
Wolters Kluwer Financial & Corporate Compliance
Xenco Medical
Zoetis Services LLC
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