Exploring the Rapid Adoption of AI Agents by Enterprises: A New Study

The Growing Embrace of AI Agents in Enterprises

Recent findings from Kong Inc. highlight a remarkable trend: an impressive 90% of businesses are actively working to integrate AI agents into their daily operations. This shift signals a pivotal moment in the utilization of artificial intelligence, particularly in enterprise environments. As companies explore the potential benefits of agentic AI, they are not only focusing on immediate efficiencies but also laying the groundwork for future advancements.

Integrating AI Agents: The Current Landscape

According to the report titled "Agentic AI in the Enterprise Paving the Path to Production," released on September 17, 2025, the data stems from surveying around 550 professionals, including developers, engineers, and IT decision-makers. The results reveal a significant trend: more than half of these organizations have established a roadmap for adopting agentic AI.

Moreover, an astonishing 79% of respondents expect full-scale incorporation of AI agents within the next three years. This rapid uptake is being driven by the desire to reduce overhead costs, streamline operations, and accelerate automation tasks. Notably, customer support services emerge as the leading domain where AI is making a notable impact, with 58% of enterprises indicating that AI-driven support systems are yielding substantial benefits.

Challenges and Barriers to Adoption

Despite the optimistic outlook for AI integration, various challenges loom. The complexity associated with integrating AI technologies is highlighted as the primary barrier by 31% of respondents. Concerns related to security and compliance follow closely behind, affecting 28% of those surveyed. However, the majority of companies seem to be proactively addressing these challenges, as evidenced by the 89% of organizations that have either implemented or are seeking solutions for AI governance frameworks.

For those organizations already establishing governance, 54% utilize an AI gateway—an emerging middleware designed to manage AI traffic, policies, and compliance effectively. This reflects a growing understanding of the importance of secure data connectivity and governance in maximizing the efficacy of AI agents.

As Giovanni C. L. Alfero, Head of AI Strategies at Kong Inc., suggests, organizations that prioritize API management are likely to excel in their AI initiatives. "AI agents rely heavily on effective API management, ensuring secure connectivity is paramount for performance. Without this governance, potential growth from AI agents could stagnate,” Alfero emphasizes.

The Future of AI in Business Operations

Looking ahead, the report from Kong Inc. delineates both the challenges and opportunities businesses will face as they continue on the path toward incorporating agentic AI. While the promise of greater efficiency and operational effectiveness remains high, organizations must remain vigilant in overcoming hurdles related to integration complexities and compliance concerns.

The final findings point to a clear consensus: the drive toward AI integration is not merely a trend but an essential evolution for enterprises aiming to stay competitive and innovative. This momentum suggests that in just a few short years, the AI landscape within enterprises will dramatically transform, heralding a new era of business operations driven by intelligent automation.

Conclusion

Kong Inc.'s report serves as a clarion call for organizations hesitant to embrace AI. With a strong foundation in API management and a keen focus on addressing integration challenges, businesses can effectively navigate this transformative landscape. As we move forward, the insights provided by this study will undoubtedly guide enterprises as they harness the power of AI agents to redefine their operational capabilities.