The State of AI in 2025: Agents, Innovation, and Transformation
In the 2025 edition of the McKinsey Global Survey on Artificial Intelligence, the report examines key trends shaping real-world value creation through AI. The article was developed by Alex Singla, Alexander Sukharevsky, Lareina Yee, and Michael Chui, with contributions from Bryce Hall and Tara Balakrishnan, presenting insights from QuantumBlack, AI by McKinsey.
Overview of AI Adoption
Three years after generative AI tools reshaped the field, nearly 90 percent of survey respondents indicate that their organizations use AI on a regular basis. However, integration progress remains uneven across industries and functions.
"While AI tools are now commonplace, most organizations have not yet embedded them deeply enough into their workflows and processes to realize material, enterprise-level benefits."
From Experimentation to Scaling
The latest findings describe an environment characterized by wider AI use, particularly the expansion of agentic AI applications, but also by persistent challenges in scaling from pilot projects to full operational impact.
According to the survey, 88 percent of companies now apply AI in at least one business area, up from 78 percent the previous year. Despite this progress, most organizations are still working to achieve sustainable and measurable value from these technologies.
Key Findings
- AI adoption continues to rise across business functions.
- Integration depth and enterprise-level scaling remain limited.
- Agentic AI is emerging as one of the most notable developments.
Author’s Summary
AI use expanded further in 2025, with nearly all major companies applying it regularly, yet true large-scale transformation remains an ongoing challenge.