Signal 53% expect AI to remain mainly a support tool over the next one to two years

Summary

McKinsey's survey finds that near-term expectations for AI remain modest despite big long-term claims. Just over half of surveyed leaders, 53 percent, expect AI over the next one to two years to act mainly as a support tool that helps people with routine tasks and basic decisions. Far fewer expect it to take on autonomous roles in that period. The report identifies a widening gap between the transformative role predicted for agentic AI and the limited role it may actually play soon. It suggests the muted outlook may reflect caution, doubt, or limited understanding among leaders of how AI could reshape their organizations.