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ZDNET's key takeaways
34% of global CFOs have adopted an aggressive AI investment strategy.
61% embrace AI agents and digital labor in order to autonomously perform tasks.
CFOs are dedicating a quarter of their AI budgets to agentic AI
More than 9 out of 10 (96%) of chief financial officers (CFOs) have an aggressive AI strategy, compared to only 3% in 2020, according to a global survey of 261 CFOs conducted by Salesforce Research. There is a strong shift from cautious spending to a strategic and more aggressive focus on AI for both productivity gains and long-term revenue growth.
According to recent data from the global CFO survey, there's a fundamental rethinking underway in how CFOs evaluate these investments. Specifically, over half (61%) of those surveyed indicate that AI agents -- digital labor capable of performing tasks autonomously -- are changing CFOs' approach to ROI. They are moving beyond traditional metrics to measure the success of technology investments, now encompassing a broader range of business outcomes.
Also: How AI agents can generate $450 billion by 2028 - and what stands in the way
According to McKinsey research, the rise of autonomous systems, including physical robots and digital agents, is moving from pilot projects to practical applications. Autonomous AI agents are now enabling companies to be built like a stealth aircraft.
Agentic AI is an artificial intelligence system capable of independently planning and executing complex, multistep tasks. Built on foundation models, these agents can autonomously perform actions, communicate with one another, and adapt to new information. Significant advancements have emerged, from general agent platforms to specialized agents designed for deep research.
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