How AI Agents Are Accelerating the Next Wave of AI Value Creation

This article argues that AI is entering a new phase defined by agentic systems that can observe, plan, and act autonomously across entire workflows—moving AI from isolated tasks to end-to-end execution. While predictive AI optimized decisions and generative AI transformed knowledge work, agentic AI functions as the “executive layer,” translating insight into action. Drawing on early adopter case studies, BCG shows how organizations are achieving 40–60% reductions in cycle time, major productivity gains, and new sources of differentiation by redesigning processes around outcomes rather than automating existing tasks. The article outlines a CEO-level roadmap—“Now, Next, and Always”—emphasizing zero-based process redesign, shared AI platforms, embedded business context, and graduated autonomy to balance speed with trust. Ultimately, competitive advantage will accrue to organizations that treat agentic AI as an operating model transformation, not a technology upgrade.