KPMG AI Quarterly Pulse Survey: 2025 is the year of agentic AI
Agentic AI, tools that operate independently and adapt in real-time, will scale enterprise-wide and transform performance.
About the survey
The KPMG AI Quarterly Pulse Survey provides a comprehensive snapshot of insights from 100 top-tier U.S.-based executives and business leaders, all from organizations boasting annual revenues of $1 billion or more. KPMG began conducting these quarterly surveys in January 2024 to monitor and evaluate changes in executive sentiment and business decision making, as AI rapidly evolves and expands in its impact on businesses and the economy more broadly. This most recent survey was conducted between November 7- December 9, 2024.
The latest survey's participants predominantly held high-ranking positions, with over 70% being at the level of CEO or higher, and 50% serving as Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs) or Managing Directors (MDs). Additionally, more than half of the respondents represented companies with a workforce exceeding 10,000 employees. Of these, 65% were from public companies, while the remaining 35% hailed from private enterprises.
Key Findings: Massive AI Investments Signal a New Era of Innovation
Ready to explore how AI is transforming industries? Our latest AI Quarterly Pulse Survey reveals how organizations are adapting strategies, investing in GenAI technology, and addressing key challenges like data quality and privacy. Discover insights into the future of AI and its significant impact on business operations. The future of AI is here, and it’s reshaping how businesses function.
The majority of respondents feel that AI will fundamentally change the nature of their business over the one-to-two-year horizon (56% in the next year and 67% in the next two years). | |
| 68% of leaders will invest between $50-$250 million in GenAI over the next 12 months, up from 45% in Q1 of 2024. |
 | 88% of leaders cite macroeconomic factors as the top factor of concern influencing AI strategies – six months ago, today and six months from now. |
 | Over half (51%) of organizations are exploring the use of AI agents and another 37% are piloting AI agents. Currently, only 12% of respondents have deployed AI agents for use. |
 | Chief Information Officers (71%) are increasingly leading AI initiatives, followed by CEOs (17%) and Chief Innovation Officers (10%), a marked shift from earlier in the year when nearly half (49%) reported CEOs as the primary leaders. |
Dive into our thinking:
AI Q4Pulse Survey: Key Findings
Download PDFTop Challenges to Implementing AI Strategies in 2025
The results of the survey reveal that, faced with growing economic pressures, investor expectations, and the need for greater efficiency, business leaders are earnestly working to match their GenAI goals with feasible implementation strategies.
AI’s Impact On Business, Economy And Society
Business leaders see AI as key driver of transformation by 2030, despite societal challenges.
Business Growth and Investment
As the influence of AI continues to grow, business leaders are increasingly recognizing its potential to enhance and transform their organizations.
This survey confirms what we’re seeing with clients: organizations are doubling down on AI investments. The data also shows growing momentum around AI agents, with over half of organizations exploring their use. Leaders are putting real dollars behind agents, but with mounting pressure to demonstrate ROI, getting the value story right is critical.
Steve Chase
Vice Chair of AI and Digital Innovation, KPMG U.S.
AI Agents
As advancements in technology continue to accelerate, leaders are charting a course to capitalize on innovative AI software functionalities.
Workforce and Talent
As we look towards 2025, organizations are beginning to identify and prepare for the anticipated challenges to their AI strategies.
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