'This isn’t just another technology trend – it’s the catalyst for the most significant workforce transformation in a generation': More and more executives believe AI usage is 'critical' in their business (www.techradar.com)

A new report from Cisco and Omdia reveals that 80% of executives view agentic AI as critical for business viability by 2027, with over half of the workforce—55%—predicted to collaborate with AI agents within two years. This shift in perspective marks a significant change in how AI is perceived in the workplace. Instead of fearing job losses, 65% of executives foresee the emergence of new job categories, highlighting a transformation in roles rather than their elimination. However, this potential comes with challenges; many organizations struggle with outdated infrastructure, hindering their ability to leverage AI's capabilities effectively. To adapt to this evolving landscape, 60% of employees will require upskilling beyond basic prompt engineering to effectively oversee and audit autonomous agents. Financially, agentic AI represents 37% of early adopters' technology budgets, with nearly half reporting meaningful returns on investment, illustrating a growing commitment to integrating AI into core business strategies. As emphasized by Jeff Schultz, Cisco's Portfolio Strategy SVP, businesses must prioritize building robust infrastructure to maximize the benefits of AI, positioning themselves for success in a rapidly transforming workforce.