Strong growth for global agentic AI market

Author Moonshot.news

Published on: 20/11/2025

Global agentic AI market could reach US$ 45 billion in 2030, up from a projected US$ 8.5 billion in 2026. But a precondition is that enterprises orchestrate agents better by more thoughtfully addressing associated challenges and risks, consultancy Deloitte says in its annual report on technology, media and telecom. A World Economic Forum survey comprising 55 countries shows that experts value AI primarily for saving time and streamlining their work by handling repetitive and labour-intensive tasks.

However, many respondents express concerns about the quality and trustworthiness of AI-generated content, noting hallucinations and limited capacity for inductive reasoning, as it draws from existing knowledge and struggles to embrace the forward-looking perspectives needed for strategic foresight, thr Forum says.

Among recommendations are to increase AI literacy among the global foresight community and encourage experimentation to move beyond simple use cases of the technology. 

“AI tools can help supplement – but not replace – human efforts in the field of strategic foresight, with AI handling tasks such as data processing and initial drafts, thereby freeing up time for experts’ higherlevel analysis, interpretation and critical thinking”, the Forum report says. 

The Deloitte report says that the installed base of global industrial robots is estimated to reach 5.5 million by 2026, with modest annual growth. Robot sales will surge past a million units per year but not until 2030.

Key findings from the Deloitte report:

• Global Agentic AI market could reach US$ 35 billion in 2030, up from a projected US$ 8.5 billion in 2026. If enterprises orchestrate agents better by more thoughtfully addressing the associated challenges and risks, this market projection could increase by up to 30% — or as high as US$ 45 billion by 2030.  
• In 2026, daily usage of AI within search will be three times greater than any standalone AI tool—reshaping how people can discover information. Nearly one-third (29%) of adults in developed countries will see at least one AI search summary daily, compared to 10% using standalone AI apps daily. 
• In 2026, SaaS (software as a service) apps will get smarter, more personalised, adaptive, and autonomous. Agentic AI could even begin to replace today’s SaaS tools over time. In 2026, 75% of companies may invest in Agentic AI fuelling a surge in spending on autonomous AI agents across SaaS platforms.

“AI isn’t just transforming business, it’s redefining the rules of competition. We’re entering a period where automation, intelligent agents, and smarter software are no longer on the horizon; they’re at the core of digital transformation. From reshaping how people search for information to reinventing enterprise platforms and pricing models, AI is altering the foundations of how markets operate,” says Girija Krishnamurthy, Deloitte Global Technology sector leader.

The report says agentic AI and automation are accelerating demand for new hardware and infrastructure:

• Cumulative annual sales of global industrial robots could reach 5.5 million units in 2026, not much higher than in previous years. Longer term, growth could accelerate as labour shortages bolster domestic manufacturing in developed markets and as advances in computing power and multi-modal AI  can expand robotic capabilities.
• In 2026, new chipmaking technologies such as high-bandwidth memory co-packaging tools, 3D stacking, plasma etching, and GAA transistors will emerge to meet the demand for GenAI and high-performance computing. At least US$ 30 billion could be spent on these and other critical technologies. Semiconductor supply chains will likely remain exposed to global tensions, however, as these technologies rely on a handful of specialized suppliers in concentrated regions.
• In 2026, nearly US$ 100 billion will be invested globally in sovereign AI compute. Companies outside the US and China are expected to double their domestic AI capacity by 2030 led by the EU’s focus on enhancing AI sovereignty.
• In-app revenue is forecasted to reach US$ 3.8 billion in 2025, and Deloitte predicts that it will more than double to US$7.8 billion in 2026.

“The lines between TV, streaming, and user-generated content continue to blur. From GenAI video and bite-sized micro-dramas to video podcasts and bold collaborations between public service broadcasters and creators, new forms of storytelling are changing how audiences engage and participate”, Deloitte says:

• Micro-dramas—short, plot-driven serials designed for smartphones—are watched by over half a billion viewers annually, blending the convenience of short-form video with serialized storytelling. Their global popularity is surging: In-app revenue is forecast to reach US$ 3.8 billion in 2025. Deloitte predicts that it will more than double to US$ 7.8 billion in 2026. While the US is expected to generate half of global revenue in 2025 its share will likely drop to 40% as other markets increasingly capitalize on this trend.
• Approaching Hollywood quality, generative video is unlocking new creative possibilities—empowering independent creators, fuelling richer audience engagement, and creating new revenue streams for platforms. At the same time, the scale and realism raise important challenges around authenticity, audience trust, and responsible usage. Platforms may need to strengthen moderation, invest in tools like watermarking, and comply with emerging regulations on labelling and age verification. How well they respond could determine if generative video can help drive growth without undermining trust in their platforms.
• European public service broadcasters face many of the same pressures as commercial TV. They are adapting by co-producing with streamers, promoting content on social platforms, licensing content, and staggering releases. These strategies extend reach, attract younger audiences, and inject local content into global platforms. Partnerships could generate tens of thousands of additional hours of content on streaming and social platforms in 2026, translating into billions of views, hundreds of millions of viewing hours, and ad revenue shares worth millions of dollars. 
• Podcasting is rapidly shifting from audio to video, with a leading platform now offering video on over 60% of top shows since 2022. By 2026, video-enabled podcasts are set to become even more prevalent as audiences seek richer, more immersive experiences. Deloitte predicts annual global ad revenues for podcasts and vodcasts will reach roughly US$ 5 billion in 2026—a nearly 20% year-over-year increase, underscoring accelerating growth and opportunity.

“Entertainment as we know it is experiencing a tectonic shift. Today, audiences binge broadcast series on streaming platforms, follow creators on social feeds, watch micro-dramas on their phones, and tune into podcasts that look like TV shows. Generative video is accelerating this evolution, blurring the lines between studios, creators, and platforms, while redefining what entertainment means,” says Tim Bottke, Deloitte Global Telecommunications, Media & Entertainment sector leader.