ANZ enterprises rapidly adopt agentic AI to boost productivity

Agentic AI is transforming how businesses in Australia and New Zealand operate, with 69% of ANZ c-suite executives planning to adopt this technology within the next 12 months, according to a study by YouGov and Salesforce. Already, 38% of these executives report they are actively implementing agentic AI solutions.

What Is Agentic AI?

Agentic AI represents the next frontier in artificial intelligence, capable of autonomously performing tasks without continuous human input. Unlike AI assistants like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, which aid in tasks, agentic AI can execute entire processes independently. For example, it can:

• Provide expert-level customer advice
• Automate administrative tasks in HR or finance
• Conduct complex data analysis

Microsoft defines agentic AI as a "digital colleague," while Salesforce describes it as AI that operates "without human intervention." IBM emphasizes its ability to achieve goals with "limited supervision."

The Critical Role of Data Governance

As adoption grows, organizations are recognizing the need for strong data governance to ensure security and effectiveness. A Drexel University study found that 71% of organizations now have data governance programs, up from 60% in 2023. Key governance challenges include:

• Securing data without human oversight: Ensuring AI agents handle sensitive information correctly
• Preventing errors and breaches: Reducing "hallucinations" (incorrect AI outputs) and data leaks

Gartner recommends applying its AI TRiSM framework (Trust, Risk, and Security Management) to address these challenges. This includes:

• Data and information governance
• AI governance policies
• Runtime inspection technologies

The Future of Work

Agentic AI is poised to redefine productivity in ANZ enterprises, but success depends on balancing innovation with risk management. Organizations must prioritize data security and governance to fully harness the potential of this transformative technology.