AI Agent Adoption Now Considered Strategic to Overall Business Transformation, Not as Independent Technology

IDC, the global leader in trusted technology intelligence, is today showcasing actionable artificial intelligence (AI) insights at its IDC Directions event. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, this year’s conference — themed “Transforming Business for an AI World” — marks six decades of bringing together industry leaders to explore what’s next in technology. The event highlights the pivotal role AI plays in today's business landscape and provides actionable strategies for success.

For most organizations still navigating the “AI Pivot,” it is a critical turning point. What enterprises do at this stage will determine how fast they can get to a repeatable set of processes that will set them up for business transformation. To address this juncture, IDC’s Global AI Research Council is releasing three distinct research studies designed to offer strategic guidance for organizations navigating AI:

• IDC MaturityScape: AI-Fueled Organization 1.0 focuses on AI organizational maturity, revealing a critical shift in how companies approach technological innovation. Currently, 51% of businesses are taking an opportunistic approach to AI, but there's a significant trend toward more structured and strategic adoption. The research highlights how organizations are increasingly viewing AI as a fundamental transformation of business, operating, and organizational models. Governance, knowledge, and skills are emerging as key elements in implementing AI-driven transformation. Companies are moving beyond ad-hoc experimentation, with about 35% now developing more repeatable and managed AI strategies.
• Agentic AI Impact on Enterprises explores the disruptive potential of agentic AI, analyzing its impact on the technology stack (infrastructure, data management, software development, automation platforms and SaaS applications/platforms) and professional roles. This research provides strategic guidance for responsible AI adoption, positioning agentic systems as a core driver of business innovation and competitive advantage.
• GenAI Industry-specific Use Case Adoption emphasizes which industry-specific use cases will be top investment areas for the next 12 months. As organizations prepare to exit the “AI Pivot” — shifting some of their focus from productivity gains to revenue generation — applying an industry-specific focus lens to use cases becomes integral to achieving faster results. Preliminary findings from the study underscore the importance of strategic vendor partnerships and robust internal data preparation for successful AI initiatives.

"When it comes to AI, decision-makers often struggle to find a practical entry point that aligns with their organization's needs," said Meredith Whalen, chief research & data officer at IDC. “This new research helps leaders understand AI from a strategic business perspective – highlighting its potential to transform their business and enhance competitiveness, rather than treating it solely as a technological innovation.”

Ritu Jyoti, group vice president/general manager of IDC's Worldwide AI and Data Research Practice, added, "Our research will provide clarity around agentic AI, addressing market misconceptions and demonstrating how disciplined and responsible strategies can unlock genuine business value."

IDC Directions brings together industry leaders to explore these cutting-edge insights, offering a comprehensive look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping the digital landscape. Attendees gain strategic insights into AI adoption and transformation, positioned at the intersection of technological innovation and business strategy.

About IDC

International Data Corporation (IDC) is the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets. With more than 1,300 analysts worldwide, IDC offers global, regional, and local expertise on technology, IT benchmarking and sourcing, and industry opportunities and trends in over 110 countries. IDC's analysis and insight helps IT professionals, business executives, and the investment community to make fact-based technology decisions and to achieve their key business objectives. Founded in 1964, IDC is a wholly owned subsidiary of International Data Group (IDG), the world's leading tech media, data, and marketing services company. To learn more about IDC, please visit www.idc.com. Follow IDC on Twitter at @IDC and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the IDC Blog for industry news and insights.

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For most organizations still navigating the “AI Pivot,” it is a critical turning point. What enterprises do at this stage will determine how fast they can get to a repeatable set of processes that will set them up for business transformation.