Exploring the Future of AI: Anticipated Eightfold Increase in AI Workflows by 2025
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has increasingly become a cornerstone of modern business operations, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. According to a recent study conducted by the IBM Institute for Business Value, enterprises are on the brink of significantly amplifying their AI-enabled workflows. The research indicates that many organizations are poised to embrace agentic AI—a form of AI that acts autonomously—to enhance decision-making and streamline processes.
The study, aptly titled "AI Projects to Profits," surveyed 2,900 executives from around the globe. The findings reveal a compelling forecast: AI-enabled workflows are expected to experience a remarkable growth, expanding from a modest 3% today to a substantial 25% by the end of 2025. This anticipated growth reflects a strong belief among executives—70% of whom acknowledge the critical role of agentic AI in their organizations’ future. This suggests that companies are not just adopting AI for its novelty but are actively experimenting with its applications to drive tangible business outcomes.
As the digital landscape rapidly evolves, AI agents are emerging as the next step in intelligent automation. These agents, essentially sophisticated AI systems capable of learning and adapting independently, are anticipated to revolutionize organizational workflows. A significant 83% of the executives surveyed expect AI agents to enhance process efficiency and productivity by 2026. Furthermore, 71% believe these agents will dynamically adjust to shifting workflows, underscoring their potential to transform operational strategies.
Francesco Brenna, VP and Senior Partner at AI Integration Services, IBM Consulting, emphasized the transformative impact of agentic AI. He stated, "Our clients are increasingly viewing agentic AI as a pivotal element in transcending incremental productivity improvements. It’s about deriving genuine business value from AI, particularly when applied to core functions like supply chain management and human resources. This involves more than just integrating an AI agent into an existing process; it requires a complete re-architecture of the process execution, a reimagining of the user experience, an end-to-end orchestration of agents, and the integration of relevant data to ensure contextual intelligence."
Top Benefits of Agentic AI Systems
The study highlights several key benefits driving the adoption of agentic AI systems across various industries:
- Improved Decision-Making: A notable 69% of executives identified enhanced decision-making as the foremost advantage of implementing agentic AI systems. These systems can process vast amounts of data swiftly, offering insights that inform strategic decisions.
- Cost Reduction Through Automation: Automation remains a central theme in AI adoption, with 67% of respondents citing cost reduction as a major benefit. By automating routine tasks, organizations can allocate resources more efficiently and focus on strategic initiatives.
- Competitive Advantage: Nearly half of the executives surveyed (47%) recognized the competitive edge provided by agentic AI systems. These technologies enable organizations to stay ahead of the curve by leveraging data-driven insights for strategic planning.
- Enhanced Employee Experience: According to 44% of executives, agentic AI systems contribute to an improved employee experience. By automating mundane tasks, employees can focus on more meaningful and engaging work, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
- Improved Talent Retention: Retaining top talent is a priority for any organization, and 42% of respondents believe that agentic AI systems play a crucial role in achieving this goal. By fostering a more engaging work environment, organizations can enhance employee retention rates.
Despite these benefits, the study also highlights lingering concerns among leaders regarding the adoption of agentic AI. Data security (49%), trust issues (46%), and skills shortages (42%) are cited as significant barriers to widespread adoption. These concerns underscore the need for organizations to address these challenges proactively to harness the full potential of AI technologies.
Investment Trends and Strategic Shifts
In addition to highlighting the benefits and challenges of agentic AI, the study offers insights into current and future investment trends. Executives revealed that AI investment has grown to approximately 12% of overall IT spending in 2024. By 2026, this figure is expected to increase significantly, accounting for 20% of IT expenditure. This shift underscores AI’s transition from an experimental phase to a strategic imperative for organizations worldwide.
Moreover, the study indicates a decline in organizations relying on ad hoc AI approaches. The proportion of such organizations has decreased from 19% last year to just 6% today. This trend demonstrates growing confidence and commitment to AI-driven transformation, as businesses increasingly integrate AI into their core strategies.
Adoption of an "AI-First" Approach
A noteworthy finding from the study is the emergence of an "AI-first" approach among some companies. This strategy involves prioritizing AI initiatives as a central component of business operations. Among those adopting this approach, executives attribute a significant portion of their revenue growth (52%) and improvements in operating margins (54%) to AI initiatives within the past 12 months. This indicates that organizations embracing AI as a foundational element are reaping substantial rewards.
For those interested in delving deeper into the study’s insights, the full report is available at IBM’s website.
Study Methodology
The IBM Institute for Business Value conducted this comprehensive study in collaboration with Oxford Economics. The research involved two surveys conducted in 2025: the "AI at the Core" survey, which included 2,500 executives across 18 industries and 19 regions, and the "Agentic AI Pulse" survey, which involved 400 C-suite executives in 15 roles, 11 industries, and six countries. The survey questions explored AI’s current role in business operations, including its impact on revenue, profitability, productivity, and resource efficiency. Further analysis was performed to identify key relationships, trends, and associations within the dataset.
About IBM
IBM is a global leader in hybrid cloud and AI solutions, offering consulting expertise to clients in over 175 countries. The company helps organizations harness data insights, streamline processes, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge in their respective industries. IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift are trusted by numerous government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas, including financial services, telecommunications, and healthcare. IBM’s groundbreaking innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions, and consulting provide clients with open and flexible options to facilitate digital transformations securely and efficiently. IBM is committed to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity, and service, ensuring its clients’ success in a rapidly changing world.
For more information about IBM and its offerings, visit IBM’s official website.
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