84% of US businesses plan to increase AI agent spending, Vida Global survey finds
QQQ•Vida Global’s 2026 survey found that 84% of US businesses plan to increase AI agent spending over the next 12–24 months, and 62% expect significant increases. More than 80% already have digital employees in pilots or operations, while 85% report positive returns on investment.
1. Spending plans and returns
Vida Global’s 2026 survey found that 84% of US businesses plan to increase AI agent spending over the next 12–24 months, including 62% that expect significant increases. More than 80% already have digital employees in pilots or operations, and 85% report positive returns on investment.
2. Measurement and oversight
Businesses using digital employees in production report significant returns at a 70% rate, compared with 8% among those running pilots. Only 40% track performance against defined goals, 41% assign human oversight, and 12% track accuracy or error rates, despite quality or reliability concerns leading for 72% of businesses.
