AI’s potential hinges on two critical enablers: data and integration. Data is the fuel that powers AI—its quality, availability, and structure directly shape the intelligence and accuracy of AI systems. However, without integration, even the best data remains siloed and underutilized. Integration connects disparate systems, enabling seamless data flow across platforms, which is essential for real-time insights and scalable AI deployment. Together, data and integration form a symbiotic relationship. Data feeds AI, while integration ensures that AI’s inputs are comprehensive and outputs are actionable across the enterprise. Neglecting either limits AI’s impact. To unlock true value, organizations must invest equally in robust data foundations and the integration frameworks that tie everything together. Amberle Carter, Data Management Officer at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, and Rajesh Shetty, Business and Technology Advisor at IBM, share their perspectives on this important topic.