Accenture highlights AI autonomy in Technology Vision 2025

Accenture has revealed its Technology Vision 2025 report, focusing on the emergence of AI-powered autonomy as a significant force in business and technology development.

The report suggests this new era of digitisation, characterised by AI's continuous learning capabilities, will drive unprecedented levels of autonomy within organisations. As AI becomes an integral component of enterprises and society at large, trust in the technology's performance is highlighted as the key measure of success.

The Accenture Technology Vision 2025 analyses how AI's increasing role will redefine technology development, customer experiences, the physical world and the global workforce. With 70% of New Zealand executives acknowledging the urgency of innovation, the research suggests AI will become a collaborative technology partner, personal brand ambassador, and power behind robotic bodies in physical environments. Accenture also predicts a new symbiosis between AI and people, fostering mutual enhancement.

"Our 25th Technology Vision gives leaders a look into what's ahead when AI continuously learns, acts autonomously with and on behalf of people, and pushes enterprises and the people who use it into new and exciting ways to continuously reinvent," stated Justin Mowday, Country Managing Director, Accenture New Zealand.

He added that the full potential of AI could only be realised if trust in its capabilities and outcomes is systematically developed by business leaders. This, he claims, will enable businesses and individuals to unlock AI's full potential.

Trust in AI, beyond its technical capabilities, is deemed critical for achieving its broad and positive impact. Digital systems and AI models need to exhibit accuracy, predictability, consistency, and traceability. Furthermore, 73% of executives believe AI's benefits hinge on a foundation of trust, while 74% suggest trust strategies must progress alongside technological advancements.

Accenture posits that digitising knowledge, building new AI models and agent systems, and establishing cognitive digital brains through autonomous systems will drive dynamic and intention-driven organisations. However, this vision relies heavily on the trustworthiness of the systems.

The report also explores the tangible impact of generative AI as it influences various aspects of technology and business. Accenture is utilising platforms such as GenWizard, SynOps, and AI Refinery to facilitate the development of multi-agent systems, aiming to expedite the value derived from customised solutions.

Companies are in a race to integrate AI as a customer interface. Despite concerns (63%) that language models and chatbots may result in a uniform brand voice, 64% of executives believe distinct AI experiences can be crafted by embedding brand-specific elements into digital interactions.

The physical world too will see AI's influence as Accenture partners with firms like KION Group and NVIDIA to optimise AI-driven warehouse robots. Research suggests 80% of executives support the idea that human collaboration with robots, paired with continuous learning, will build trust in robotic and AI technology.

AI's integration is creating a positive feedback loop, enhancing its abilities and increasing users' willingness to engage with the technology. Leaders are prioritising the relationship between people and AI, ensuring it does not succumb to automation fears, but instead maintains open communication with employees about AI strategies.

Accenture has also initiated a Generative AI Scholars Program in collaboration with Stanford Online to further knowledge in AI technologies. Organisations are encouraged to empower employees with digital tools to boost proficiency in AI, noting individuals familiar with AI view it more positively.