The rapid proliferation of generative and agentic AI has sparked debate about whether the current boom is a bubble poised to burst. While many organizations are investing heavily in AI solutions, tangible benefits remain elusive for many, with projects often stuck in experimental phases.
Ben Gilbert, VP of 15gifts, draws parallels to past tech bubbles, emphasizing the potential vulnerability stemming from the disparity between AI spending and realized profits. Gartner projects that over 40% of agentic AI initiatives will fail by 2027, primarily due to high costs and a lack of demonstrable return on investment.
Gilbert stresses the importance of human nuance in successful AI implementations, questioning the uneven adoption of AI across different business functions. While AI has been readily embraced for efficiency gains and customer support, its application in sales remains limited. He advocates for an approach that augments human capabilities rather than attempting complete automation.
While a complete collapse of the AI market is considered unlikely, a market correction appears increasingly probable. Experts urge enterprise leaders to prioritize AI quality, ethical considerations, and practical applications over chasing the latest hype. Gilbert believes that brands that successfully integrate AI will focus on enhancing human potential, acknowledging that even the most sophisticated AI systems require empathy, transparency, and human insight to truly succeed.