The next wave of artificial intelligence isn’t just about smarter algorithms—it’s about whether companies can build the infrastructure to run them at scale. A new survey of 650 global executives reveals a stark truth: agentic AI, the autonomous systems capable of making decisions and acting on behalf of businesses, is advancing faster than the networks, security frameworks, and governance models needed to support it. While 87% of executives now view agentic AI as critical to their company’s survival by 2027, 62% admit their organizations are struggling to secure networks, manage agent identities, and protect data in motion. The result? A growing risk that unchecked ambition could outpace operational reality.

The implications are clear: in the race to deploy agentic AI, the winners won’t be the companies with the most advanced models or the largest budgets. They’ll be the ones who treat infrastructure as a strategic priority—not an afterthought. For Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and technology leaders, this isn’t just another IT project. It’s a fundamental reset of how businesses think about networks, security, and workforce collaboration in the AI era.

Why infrastructure is the hidden bottleneck

Agentic AI thrives on real-time decision-making. Unlike traditional AI systems that perform predefined tasks, these agents move across applications, clouds, and data centers, requiring low-latency access to data, resilient connectivity, and zero-trust identity frameworks. Yet the survey data shows that 96% of executives now recognize robust networks as a non-negotiable requirement for real-time AI—transforming what was once a technical detail into a core business operating system.

The challenge? Legacy infrastructure was never designed for this level of dynamism. Agents don’t operate in silos; they traverse hybrid environments where data, policies, and workloads must move seamlessly. Without this foundation, scale doesn’t create value—it creates exposure. The question for businesses isn’t whether they can deploy agentic AI, but whether they can do so without introducing unacceptable risk.

The network: the make-or-break layer

For the first time, the network has become the runtime environment for AI. Agents don’t just rely on it—they depend on it to function. Executives are tracking network performance and resilience as the top indicator of whether agentic AI will deliver competitive advantage. The stakes are high: if the network can’t deliver speed, uptime, and security, the business won’t get scalable AI. It will get unreliable, insecure, and potentially damaging AI.

Consider the demands:

• Low-latency access: Agents require near-instantaneous data retrieval to make decisions in real time.
• Resilient connectivity: Failures in one part of the network can disrupt entire workflows.
• Zero-trust identity: Every agent and user interaction must be authenticated, and authorized.
• Real-time observability: Businesses need visibility into agent behavior to detect anomalies or unintended actions.

Without these capabilities, the promise of agentic AI—autonomous systems that streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation—risks becoming a liability. The network isn’t just a supporting player; it’s the stage on which agentic AI performs. And like any stage, if the lights go out or the floor collapses, the show won’t go on.

A workforce transformation in progress

The shift isn’t just technical—it’s cultural. Within the next 24 months, executives expect that 55% of their workforce will collaborate directly with AI agents. This isn’t a futuristic projection; it’s a near-term reality that demands immediate infrastructure upgrades. Employees won’t just be using AI—they’ll be working alongside it, requiring systems that provide:

• Transparency: The ability to see what agents are doing and why.
• Trust: Confidence that the data behind AI decisions is accurate and secure.
• Control: Mechanisms to intervene when agents stray from intended behavior.

None of this is possible without the right infrastructure. Resilient networks, strong identity controls, and real-time visibility into agent behavior aren’t optional—they’re the foundation of trust. And trust is the currency of collaboration between humans and machines.

The budget shift: spending vs. Scaling

The financial commitment to agentic AI is undeniable. Organizations are directing nearly 37% of their technology budgets toward these initiatives—a clear signal that this isn’t experimentation. It’s transformation. But spending alone doesn’t guarantee success. The companies pulling ahead aren’t just funding agentic AI; they’re building the infrastructure that lets it operate consistently and securely across the business.

This is where the gap widens. Many organizations are still treating infrastructure as a back-office concern rather than a strategic enabler. Yet the data is unequivocal: the next advantage won’t go to the company with the biggest AI budget. It will go to the one with the infrastructure to turn that investment into impact.

What’s next: the infrastructure advantage

For CIOs and technology leaders, the path forward is clear:

1. Prioritize network resilience: Agents require a network that can handle dynamic workloads without latency or security trade-offs.
2. Implement zero-trust security: Every interaction—between agents, users, and systems—must be authenticated and monitored.
3. Enable real-time observability: Businesses need visibility into agent behavior to ensure alignment with business goals and compliance requirements.
4. Invest in governance frameworks: Policies must evolve to manage the risks and opportunities of autonomous systems.

The good news? The infrastructure needed to scale agentic AI already exists. The challenge is deploying it at the speed and scale required. Companies that act now—by treating infrastructure as a strategic differentiator—will be the ones reaping the rewards of AI-driven transformation. Those that wait risk falling behind in a world where the network isn’t just the foundation of AI, but the foundation of competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways

• Infrastructure is the bottleneck: 87% of executives see agentic AI as critical to survival, but 62% struggle with security and scalability.
• Networks are the runtime: 96% of leaders say robust networks are essential for real-time AI—turning infrastructure into a strategic decision.
• Workforce collaboration is accelerating: Within 24 months, 55% of employees will work alongside AI agents, demanding transparent and secure systems.
• Budget isn’t enough: 37% of tech budgets are now allocated to agentic AI, but scaling requires more than funding—it requires the right infrastructure.
• The advantage goes to prepared companies: Organizations that prioritize network resilience, zero-trust security, and real-time observability will lead the AI transformation.

What’s next?

As agentic AI moves from pilot projects to enterprise-wide deployment, the focus will shift from “can we do this?” to “how do we do it right?” The companies that answer this question first will define the next era of business innovation. For now, the infrastructure race is on—and the finish line belongs to those who build it before they need it.

Have insights or experiences with agentic AI deployment? Share your thoughts in the comments below or on our LinkedIn page.