**London**: Recent findings reveal that while agentic AI promises enhanced decision-making capabilities for businesses, many struggle with strategic implementation. Expert Stewart Wilson emphasizes the need for careful planning and responsible integration to unlock the full potential of this advanced technology.
Recent developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) suggest that even early adopters may find themselves struggling to keep pace with the emerging wave of technology characterized as agentic AI. This advanced form of AI builds upon the capabilities of generative AI by introducing tools that allow for enhanced learning and adaptability, potentially marking a significant step towards artificial general intelligence.
Agentic AI is defined as systems that possess the ability to think, decide, and act independently, functioning seamlessly without continuous user input or supervision. Current estimates indicate that less than 1% of enterprise software applications incorporated any form of agentic AI as of last year. However, the research firm Gartner projects that by the year 2028, this number will expand to 33%, with such systems expected to autonomously handle 15% of daily work decisions.
The momentum towards adopting agentic AI is apparent among major corporations. Noteworthy initiatives include Accenture’s establishment of an AI Refinery, McKinsey & Company’s QuantumBlack AI consultancy, and Deloitte’s Agentforce accelerators. PwC has carved its niche through a recent partnership with Microsoft to launch an Agent Factory, aimed at integrating AI-powered agents into workflows.
Stewart Wilson, PwC’s Microsoft Leader and technology consulting partner for Scotland, discussed the importance of such partnerships in harnessing the potential of AI for meaningful outcomes. “Microsoft’s grip on the technology and everything they bring is unquestionable,” Wilson stated. He emphasized that the combination of Microsoft’s technological prowess with PwC’s industry insight creates a powerful synergy.
Despite the advancements, merely implementing autonomous agents without strategic planning may not yield the anticipated productivity boosts or cost savings. Wilson noted, “Transforming a business isn’t just about technology; it’s about changing the way people work, changing business processes, and changing culture.”
He drew attention to the significance of ensuring that operational models and strategies are robust while continuously delivering value. The Agent Factory initiative by PwC is designed to develop reusable assets that can address common client challenges, thus facilitating faster returns on investment.
Current research indicates that the leading applications of AI agents include research and summarisation (58%), streamlining productivity tasks (53%), customer service roles (46%), and code generation (35%). Wilson affirmed that businesses seeking to maximize the benefits of agentic AI should commit to planning for sustainability and workforce skills development.
According to Wilson, as many as 68% of business leaders struggle to find talent adept in managing AI solutions. A separate study reported that 53% of UK office workers expressed a desire to acquire new skills, with only a third having the opportunity to learn about AI in their roles.
Despite the potential presented by agentic AI to enhance decision-making capabilities, organizations still grapple with harnessing data effectively for business advantage. UK Government statistics reveal that while 99% of British businesses manage digitised data, only 21% analyze it for insights, resulting in nearly three-quarters of firms encountering challenges in deriving substantial business value.
Wilson expressed optimism about the transformative role that tailored agents could play in fundamentally improving how organizations make strategic decisions. He stated, “Unlocking better decision-making is a massive benefit of agentic AI,” pointing out the challenges posed by fragmented data sources held across different spaces.
Leadership buy-in is pivotal for any successful AI transformation, according to Wilson, who emphasised the importance of executives utilizing AI tools like Microsoft’s CoPilot to better understand and advocate for AI adoption among their teams. This shift towards responsible AI has gained traction in recent months, with 61% of business leaders reporting increased interest in ethical AI practices.
As firms aim to integrate AI into their operations, the allure of a tool capable of performing complex tasks with minimal oversight is significant. However, Wilson cautioned against rushing into adoption. He commented, “The opportunity does take time to be unlocked. It’s got to be done with care and diligence.”
Historical parallels, such as those drawn to businesses’ initial struggles with the internet in the early 1990s, underscore the need for a thoughtful approach. Companies that succeeded in embedding technology into their core operations are viewed as models to follow.
Wilson has highlighted that AI should not merely be adopted for the sake of keeping up with trends. He urged organizations to focus on integrating agentic AI into their business transformation journeys to ensure tangible outcomes rather than superficial compliance. He noted, “With all the work we’re deploying, agentic AI has to lead to an outcome.”
Finally, measuring the success of AI initiatives has become increasingly complex. A Gartner report revealed that less than half of chief information officers and technology executives felt that their digital initiatives were meeting business outcome targets. While immediate benefits, such as efficiency in tasks like customer service or compliance, are evident, the greater potential for agentic AI lies in accelerating decision-making processes.
Wilson elaborated, stating, “Speed to insight is one of the biggest revolutionary changes,” indicating that the ability to quickly analyse data and make informed decisions will significantly impact organizational efficacy. The pressing challenge remains for businesses to reassess their AI strategies to ensure they are built on principles of safety, security, and responsibility, laying down a foundation capable of delivering measurable outcomes in this evolving technological landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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