With companies moving toward automated decision systems, 92 percent of technology executives believe that overseeing artificial intelligence agents will become a critical workplace competency within five years. A KPMG study indicates that the growth of agentic AI is prompting firms to revise their staffing models and operational approaches. The survey of 2,500 technology leaders across 27 countries shows that 88 percent of organizations are already integrating agentic AI into their operations. This change is expected to reshape team structures, with digital assistants projected to make up 36 percent of core technology teams by 2027, compared with 28 percent in 2025. Global AI advisor Zack Kass noted that future outcomes will depend on human decisions about machine capabilities. He advised adopting smaller, flatter teams to improve flexibility and collaboration. The report stressed that meaningful gains from agentic AI require shifting attention from individual output to wider organizational changes. Uniphore chief executive Umesh Sachdev stated that firms mastering AI systems and related architectures will likely outperform competitors, with success depending on leadership at all levels. To support this transition, 90 percent of executives plan to broaden external partnerships, though this raises issues around security, governance, and data protection. AI strategist Noelle Russell suggested retaining key capabilities internally while using reliable partners for other needs. The study also highlighted longer-term concerns involving quantum computing and artificial general intelligence. Security worries persist, with 41 percent of leaders concerned about lagging in preparations for quantum encryption risks. KPMG International CIO Center leader Guy Holland described the current period as the Intelligence Age, marked by rapid innovation, uncertainty, and technology reshaping business and society.
