One agent to rule them all

AI agents mark a turning point in the evolution of artificial intelligence. No longer just tools for prediction or automation, they are autonomous systems that can perceive, decide, act, and learn – making them powerful companions in today’s complex business environments. But while the technology is advancing at unprecedented speed, one thing is clear: the strategic fundamentals still matter – and data is the key enabler. 

PwC Switzerland partnered with IMD’s leading AI professors Amit Joshi and José Parra Moyano to explore what it takes to deploy AI agents responsibly and effectively. It goes beyond the hype to provide a grounded, practical view: AI agents are not here to replace humans, but to enhance their capabilities – helping leaders and teams make better decisions, work more efficiently, and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. 

At the core of the discussion is a simple truth: AI can extend human agency, but it cannot replace human judgement. That’s why now is the time for organisations to take the lead – to shape how AI agents are used, to embed them in strategy and governance, and to ensure that they serve goals that are not just profitable, but purposeful. 

AI agents are here to stay. The question is: how will you lead them? 

The rise of AI agents brings new possibilities – and new questions. How do they differ from traditional AI tools? What role should humans play in guiding their development? And how can organisations use them in a way that are both responsible and effective? 

This whitepaper offers a structured, practical view of the AI agent landscape. From strategic foundations to hands-on case studies, it equips leaders with the insights they need to make confident decisions – and to build an AI strategy that works in the real world. 

Here’s what you’ll discover: 

• A fresh perspective on the evolution of AI: why AI agents represent a shift from tools to teammates – and what that means for decision-making, compliance, and value creation. 
• The foundation for impact: "why high-quality, well-governed data is essential for developing AI agents responsibly. 
• Two paths to value: explore top-down enterprise-driven and bottom-up citizen-driven approaches – why they work best in combination. 
• Enterprise functions as innovation drivers: why business functions are ideally positioned to lead the adoption of AI agents and scale their impact across the organisation. 
• External forces you can’t ignore: understand how regulation, cybersecurity, ethics, and technology trends are shaping your AI strategy. 
• A call to rethink work: how AI agents can help turn executors into explorers – unlocking new potential across your workforce. 
• What it takes to thrive with AI agents: how to balance innovation with responsibility – and keep people at the centre of the AI journey. 

This whitepaper is aimed at C-level executives, digital and data leaders, and functional heads who are shaping their organisation’s AI strategy. It’s equally relevant for those evaluating the governance, regulatory, or ethical implications of AI adoption. Whether you're building in-house capabilities or assessing third-party solutions, the whitepaper offers insights that bridge strategic vision and operational execution – empowering leaders to make informed decisions and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.