Agentic AI goes mainstream as tech giants shift from chatbots to enterprise strategy

Tech companies are rapidly deploying agentic AI systems, with nearly half of industry leaders already implementing this technology, according to a new Ernst & Young survey. Unlike the initial wave of generative AI adoption that was driven largely by novelty, this shift represents a more strategic approach as companies seek tangible business benefits and competitive advantages. The movement toward autonomous AI systems signals a significant evolution in how organizations are integrating artificial intelligence into their core operations.

The big picture: Nearly half (48%) of tech executives surveyed have begun deploying agentic AI, with 50% expecting most of their internal AI operations to become fully autonomous within two years.

• Ernst & Young’s Technology Pulse Poll, which surveyed over 500 tech leaders in April, reveals a significant shift toward more sophisticated, autonomous AI systems.
• Despite economic uncertainty, executives remain “overwhelmingly positive” about the business value that agentic AI can deliver, according to EY Global and Americas Technology Sector Leader James Brundage.

Behind the numbers: Tech leaders’ confidence about their AI adoption may be overstated, with 58% claiming to be ahead of competitors in implementing AI technology.

• EY Americas Technology Sector Growth Leader Ken Englund called this “more perception than reality,” noting companies tend to have “a higher opinion of their progress than is statistically possible.”
• The survey indicates a maturation in the AI market, moving beyond the initial hype cycle that followed ChatGPT‘s release in late 2022.

Why this matters: Companies are pivoting to agentic AI as a more capable and commercializable alternative to traditional chatbots, particularly as investor pressure mounts for tangible returns.

• Many businesses initially adopted generative AI for the “wow factor” — similar to earlier rushes into metaverse, crypto and NFT technologies — but are now seeking practical applications and measurable benefits.
• Industry leaders believe early adoption of advanced AI systems will provide a sustainable competitive advantage as the technology continues to evolve.

Key concerns: Data privacy and security top the list of AI-related worries for nearly half (49%) of tech executives, representing a significant increase from previous year’s findings.

Workforce implications: Contrary to widespread fears about AI-driven job losses, 84% of surveyed tech leaders plan to hire more workers in the next six months as they adopt new AI tools.

• More than half of respondents are focusing on upskilling their current workforce to adapt to the AI-driven transformation.
• This suggests companies view AI as an augmentation to human capability rather than primarily as a replacement.