The era of AI hype is over - firms now want to see real returns (www.techradar.com)

A recent Capgemini study highlights a pivotal shift in the AI landscape, indicating that the era of hype is giving way to tangible results, with organizations now focusing on implementing AI for real-world applications. Notably, while generative AI has been operationalized by 38% of firms, a significant 60% are exploring agentic AI, favored for its potential to provide greater autonomy and enhance productivity. China leads the charge in AI adoption, with nearly 50% of firms piloting or deploying AI agents, outpacing the US and Europe. This transition marks a more pragmatic approach to AI, where businesses are measuring returns not just through cost savings but also via metrics like revenue growth, risk management, and customer experience. Despite these advancements, trust in AI for decision-making remains cautious; only 41% of executives express above-average confidence in AI’s capabilities. Moreover, the human element continues to play a critical role, with just 1% of leaders believing AI can autonomously make strategic decisions within the next few years. Looking ahead, investments in AI infrastructure are projected to surge, anticipating that AI will further embed itself into the strategic decision-making processes across enterprises.