CEOs say they're getting gains from AI agents. A true transformation is harder.
KPMG's US CEO said that there's a gap between using AI and the tricky work of overhauling how a company operates with the tech.
A new survey by KPMG US reveals that CEOs of major US-based companies are observing gains from AI agents, although few deem the technology as transformative. Tim Walsh, the firm's US CEO, emphasized that implementing AI is not a simple plug-and-play process; it necessitates a comprehensive reevaluation of business operations. The survey, which polled 400 CEOs, found that approximately four out of ten leaders reported significant efficiency or growth improvements from AI agents, while a similar proportion noted moderate effects in specific applications.
Still, only nine percent described AI agents as transformational for their organizations at present.
Walsh explained that the gap lies between utilizing AI and the complex task of overhauling an organization's structure. He anticipates that the share of leaders viewing AI as transformative will increase within the next six to twelve months. However, most respondents expect to augment their workforce as AI reshapes necessary skills. Over 90% of CEOs anticipate increased hiring over the next three years, reflecting a more optimistic hiring outlook compared to recent statements.
The survey also underscores workforce challenges associated with AI adoption, such as skills gaps, training employees to use AI tools, and attracting and retaining talent. Nearly eight in ten CEOs acknowledged that AI prompted their organizations to reconsider employee development, with three-quarters acknowledging the need to reassess skills for entry-level roles.
KPMG, for instance, has launched a program for audit interns focusing on soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and team leadership.
Looking ahead, 86% of CEOs anticipate adjusting jobs, career paths, and team structures to accommodate human-AI collaboration over the next two to five years. More than eight in ten CEOs plan to retain and retrain high-potential workers, while a similar proportion intend to hire individuals with AI and technology skills. Despite the potential for AI to automate certain tasks, Walsh emphasized the necessity of human oversight, noting that AI agents are not infallible and require human review.
Moreover, about seventy percent of leaders identified the lack of reliable AI access and advancement as the primary risk of business disruption over the next three years, which likely explains why most CEOs plan to allocate significant resources to AI investments.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
