Businesses unprepared for AI agents: EY

Businesses Unprepared for AI Agents: EY

Nearly nine in ten enterprise leaders report encountering significant barriers to adopting agentic AI, according to the latest EY U.S. AI Pulse Survey. The professional services firm commissioned a third party to survey 500 U.S.-based business decision makers across various industries.

Key Adoption Barriers

• Cybersecurity concerns
• Data privacy issues
• Lack of regulation
• Company policy gaps
Survey respondents also indicated that approximately 60% of senior leaders in their industries—and more than half within their own organizations—do not fully understand the benefits of agentic AI.

Employee Buy-In Challenges

More than 60% of leaders agree that fear of job replacement will hinder agentic AI adoption. This employee pushback is prompting increased investment in training, with 64% of respondents anticipating more upskilling in the coming year, up from 49% last year.

Market Context and Enterprise Focus

Enterprises are under pressure to perform amid ongoing market volatility and are turning to technology projects, especially AI, to boost productivity and growth. While agentic AI is gaining attention, many organizations remain focused on traditional automation and generative AI, which currently deliver strong returns. Traci Gusher, AI and data leader at EY Americas, told CIO Dive, “That classic AI, some generative AI, is where most organizations are focusing their efforts today, and the good news is they’re getting a good return on their investment.” The survey found that 97% of senior leaders investing in AI have experienced positive ROI, with those allocating 5% or more of their budget seeing even greater returns. Productivity and operational efficiency are cited as key metrics.

Hesitation on Agentic AI Adoption

Agentic AI adoption and its ROI remain relatively novel. Analysts suggest enterprises experimenting with agentic AI now may gain a competitive advantage. However, hesitation stems from concerns about business disruption and other risks. Gusher added, “Those organizations that hold back are going to regret that.” She emphasized that adapting existing processes to evolving regulations and capabilities is easier than starting from scratch. “The paralysis of the unknown is the bigger danger than moving too fast and then having to go back and modify.”

A Human-Centric Approach is Crucial

Most enterprises still have work to do before fully embracing agentic AI. Whitt Butler, vice chair of consulting at EY Americas, stated, “While the allure of autonomous systems is strong, our findings underscore the importance of a deliberate and human-centric approach to agentic AI. The future of work will be shaped by how well organizations prepare their people, embed responsible governance and align AI capabilities with real business outcomes.”

Early Adoption Benefits

Early adopters are already seeing value from agentic AI, primarily using it to assist and manage processes, tasks, and workflows, according to the EY survey.

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Source: Originally published at CIO Dive on August 7, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the main barriers enterprises face when adopting agentic AI? Enterprises encounter significant barriers including cybersecurity concerns, data privacy issues, a lack of clear regulation, and gaps in existing company policies. Do business leaders understand the benefits of agentic AI? The survey suggests a gap in understanding, with about 60% of senior leaders in various industries, and over half within their own organizations, not fully comprehending the benefits of agentic AI. How does employee sentiment impact agentic AI adoption? A significant concern is employee fear of job replacement, cited by over 60% of leaders as a hindrance to adoption. This is leading to increased investment in employee upskilling and training. Where are enterprises currently focusing their AI investments? Most organizations are currently focusing on traditional automation and generative AI, as these technologies are providing strong and immediate returns on investment. What are the potential competitive advantages of early adoption of agentic AI? Analysts suggest that companies experimenting with agentic AI now can gain a competitive advantage over those that hesitate. Why is a human-centric approach important for agentic AI adoption? A human-centric approach is crucial for ensuring that AI capabilities are aligned with real business outcomes, and for properly preparing employees and embedding responsible governance alongside the new technology.

Crypto Market AI's Take

The EY report highlights a significant challenge many businesses face: a lack of readiness for advanced AI solutions like agentic AI, despite a surge in AI investment. This mirrors the broader market sentiment where established AI models are delivering tangible ROI, while the potential of more sophisticated agentic AI is still being explored and understood. For businesses looking to navigate this evolving landscape, focusing on foundational AI principles, robust data governance, and clear ethical guidelines is paramount. Understanding the practical applications and potential risks of AI agents, such as enhanced productivity versus cybersecurity vulnerabilities, is key. Our platform offers resources to help businesses leverage AI responsibly, from understanding the intricacies of AI agents in our dedicated AI Agents section to exploring how AI is shaping financial markets and trading strategies.

More to Read:

• AI Agents: The Future of Business Automation and Customer Engagement
• Businesses Unprepared for AI Agents, EY Survey Finds