The Growing Trend of Agentic AI Adoption Among Technology Firms

In a groundbreaking survey conducted by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), a significant shift in the technology sector regarding artificial intelligence (AI) has been unearthed. The latest Technology Pulse Poll revealed that a remarkable 48% of technology executives are not only adopting but are also fully deploying agentic AI within their organizations. This trend indicates a much larger movement towards automated systems in business operations.

The survey, which collected data from over 500 technology industry leaders during April 2025, showcases an overwhelming belief in the potential of agentic AI. An astonishing 81% of respondents expressed optimism regarding AI's capacity to help them meet organizational goals within the coming year. As AI transforms business frameworks and operational methodologies, it’s clear that this technology is becoming more essential than ever before.

James Brundage, EY's Global and Americas Technology Sector Leader, emphasized the urgency of this trend. He noted that even within a precarious macroeconomic landscape, tech executives are persistently positive about the business value derived from agentic AI. As spending on AI increases, many organizations are transitioning from pilot projects to full-scale production, underscoring a strong commitment to leveraging AI technology for enhanced business performance.

A particularly striking highlight of the poll is the anticipated growth in autonomous AI deployment. Half of the surveyed executives project that more than 50% of their company’s AI applications will be fully automated within the next two years. This assertion showcases an aggressive shift towards investment in AI technology, with 92% of tech leaders planning to boost their AI budgets in the coming year. This marks a remarkable 10% increase from the figures reported in March 2024.

Moreover, 58% of the executives expressed confidence in their organization’s AI investment strategy, claiming they are outpacing competitors in the race to integrate AI. While the perception of being ahead is prevalent among technology firms, Ken Englund, EY Americas Technology Sector Growth Leader, cautioned that organizations must remain grounded; statistical realities may not always align with executive perceptions regarding AI advancement.

Despite the enthusiastic embrace of agentic AI, certain concerns necessitate attention. The poll underscores that talent acquisition and workforce management are pivotal to implementing AI effectively. With a notable commitment from 70% of leaders to focus on upskilling and hiring individuals capable of navigating AI technologies, the future workforce landscape is bound to shift. Significant hiring is anticipated in the next six months as a direct result of AI adoption, with 84% of respondents confirming their companies will seek new talent in this regard.

Yet, with opportunity comes concern. As companies ramp up their AI investments, security and privacy issues have emerged as formidable challenges. The vast majority of respondents (73%) reported that security frameworks are in place, yet a staggering 49% expressed worries regarding data privacy and potential breaches, marking an elevated concern compared to previous years.

In conclusion, the survey findings illuminate a vibrant future for agentic AI within the technology sector. As companies escalate their investment and prioritize AI-related hiring, the momentum within the industry signals not just a trend but a pivotal evolution in how organizations operate. As technology companies lead the way, it remains to be seen whether others will follow and how these advancements will reshape the business landscape in years to come.