Organizations achieving success with agentic artificial intelligence (AI) are primarily those that rethink existing processes to support a culture of collaboration and innovation, according to new research from Pegasystems Inc. The study, conducted with research firm Savanta, surveyed more than 500 business and IT decision makers worldwide who have already implemented agentic AI projects. The findings were unveiled at PegaWorld, the company's annual conference in Las Vegas.

The research indicates that 96% of successful implementers had rethought existing processes, with 53% doing so to a significant extent. This cultural shift is driven by a desire for consistent, predictable outcomes. Approximately 71% of respondents cited automating and simplifying complex processes as a top two pre-deployment objective, with 45% ranking it as their top priority. Furthermore, 58% reported that their execution aligned with these objectives, resulting in predictable outcomes and improved customer experiences.

Key Success Factors

The study highlighted several behaviors common among organizations that have successfully deployed agentic AI. A vast majority, 95%, possess a specific corporate-level strategy and execution plan. Additionally, 65% have comprehensive, pre-agreed success metrics tied to business outcomes that are regularly reviewed to evaluate implementation success.

Barriers to Adoption

Despite the potential benefits, the research identified significant barriers to achieving positive outcomes. Over three quarters (77%) of respondents pointed to a lack of sufficient resources as a leading barrier. Similarly, 75% agreed that a lack of knowledge and understanding of the benefits agentic AI can bring is the biggest obstacle to success.

Don Schuerman, chief technology officer of Pegasystems, noted that the industry is reaching a tipping point where adoption is high but maturity is not. He emphasized that the value of agentic AI comes from rethinking ways of working and aligning culture around what the technology makes possible.

Pegasystems Inc. announced the Pega Solution Designer Initiative at PegaWorld to establish a new generation of Solution Designers aimed at overcoming the gap between business intent and production-ready execution. The initiative expands the proven results of Pega's Blueprint Delivered methodology by equipping Solution Designers with free credential-based training, hands-on workshops, and a global community to deliver high-impact outcomes.

Addressing the execution gap

Enterprises have long faced a costly gap between business ideas and technical execution, with design thinking, cross-functional fluency, and production readiness split across disconnected roles and tools. This misalignment results in rework and slower time to value. The Pega Solution Designer Initiative offers a skills-based program for various skill levels, from business leaders to developers, to align stakeholders and translate ambition into outcomes.

Key components of the initiative

The initiative is built on three pillars designed to support enterprise transformation:

• Free, progressive credentials via Pega Academy: A skills-based credentialing model validates proficiency in Pega Blueprint AI, the methodology, and capabilities needed to guide AI-driven transformation.
• Blueprint Delivery workshop series: In-person workshops build core capabilities, including facilitation and stakeholder alignment, with options for organizations to request onsite workshops.
• A thriving global community: The Pega Blueprint AI and App Design Expert Circle provides a network for practitioners to share knowledge through peer conversations, blogs, and webinars.

Proven impact and availability

Early adopters of the Blueprint Delivered methodology report significant efficiency gains. The results include 50% faster discovery and ideation, 80% of projects going live in 90 days or less, and 30% less rework after initial design. Solution Designer enablement will be available for free in Pega Academy with the upcoming launch of Pega Infinity 26.

Performance metrics

"AI has become a powerful catalyst for a new way of working, yet many enterprises still struggle to turn that promise into results," said John Higgins, chief of client and partner success, Pega. "This initiative equips a new generation of leaders to bridge the longstanding gap between business vision and technical execution."