By Murugan Anandarajan
Publication Date: 2026-01-22 13:34:00
A new survey shows that companies are moving quickly to adopt agent-based AI – artificial intelligence systems that operate without human leadership – but are much slower to adopt governance to oversee them. This mismatch is a major source of risk when introducing AI. In my opinion it is also a business opportunity.
I am a professor of management information systems at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, which recently surveyed more than 500 data experts through its Center for Applied AI & Business Analytics. We found that 41% of companies use agent AI in their daily operations. These are not just pilot projects or one-off tests. They are part of regular work processes.
At the same time, governance is lagging behind. Only 27% of companies say their governance frameworks are mature enough to effectively monitor and manage these systems.
In this context, governance is not about regulation or unnecessary rules. It means having policies and practices that…
