Agentic AI - Why over 40% of projects will fail by 2027 (and what companies need to do now)

On June 25, 2025, the market research company Gartner published a forecast that makes companies sit up and take notice: More than 40% of projects in the field of "Agentic AI" will fail or be canceled by the end of 2027. Anyone investing in such technologies today - or planning to do so - must therefore take a particularly close look at the prerequisites for sustainable success.

What is "Agentic AI"?

Gartner describes "agentic AI" as a new class of AI systems that independently make decisions, pursue goals and implement tasks. These systems therefore not only act reactively, but proactively - for example in process control, data analysis or decision-making.

Examples include autonomous software agents that analyse customer data and automatically trigger campaigns, or intelligent assistants that optimize logistics processes. The potential is high - but the path to implementation is challenging.

Why many projects fail

According to Gartner, the main reasons for the failure of agentic AI projects are

• lack of target definition

• lack of interoperability

• Insufficient technical integration

• Security and governance issues

• Exaggerated expectations of AI systems

For companies, this means that it is not enough to purchase a powerful AI solution. The decisive factor is how it is embedded in existing systems and data landscapes.

The key to success: integration of applications and data

The study makes it clear that companies can only benefit from Agentic AI if the technical and organizational requirements are right. Three points in particular are crucial:

1. linking existing systems

Agentic AI requires access to data from CRM, ERP, product management, logistics and customer support - often in real time. This is only possible if the systems communicate with each other via standardized interfaces (APIs) or middleware solutions. Without this integration, AI remains isolated - and ineffective.

2. high data quality and consistency

AI systems make decisions based on data. However, many companies struggle with distributed, outdated or contradictory data sets. Only when relevant data sources are intelligently merged and cleansed can Agentic AI work reliably.

3. secure and compliant architecture

As the autonomy of AI systems increases, so do the requirements for security, data protection and governance. Companies must ensure that AI decisions are traceable and in line with internal compliance requirements and legal regulations (e.g. GDPR, NIS2).

What companies should do now

Gartner's forecast is not a rejection of Agentic AI - on the contrary. The technology offers great potential for automation, increased efficiency and decision support. However, companies must plan the integration strategically and implement the following measures:

• Analyze system and data landscapes and check for integration capability

• Standardize data streams and make them available in real time

• Define technical, legal and organizational requirements at an early stage

• Strengthen interfaces between specialist departments, IT and data management

This is the only way to implement agentic AI projects sustainably - and minimize the risk of failure.

AI is only as strong as your IT infrastructure

The latest figures from Gartner show: Technology alone is not enough. The success of agentic AI depends largely on whether companies are prepared to invest in structured integration, data quality and governance.

Those who act now will secure a strategic advantage - and transform technological visions into real added value.

Would you like to know whether your existing system and data architecture is ready for Agentic AI?

We would be happy to analyze your current IT infrastructure for integration potential and challenges as part of a non-binding initial consultation - transparent, open to technology and individually tailored to your company.

Get in touch now and create the basis for future-proof AI projects.

Source: https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-06-25-gartner-predicts-over-40-percent-of-agentic-ai-projects-will-be-canceled-by-end-of-2027