Executives from top UK companies are sounding the alarm: the cost of developing and deploying AI is getting out of hand.
The shift from experimental artificial intelligence (AI) projects to enterprise-grade autonomous systems was the defining theme of the Google Cloud Summit in London last week. Tech leaders from THG Ingenuity, Kingfisher, Rightmove, and Deloitte weighed in on the challenges and opportunities presented by the transition to agentic systems.
Tackling the High Cost of Agentic AI
Tokenomics – the study of the economic and social dynamics surrounding tokens – has become a major concern for UK tech chiefs. “Token costs are becoming a significant barrier to entry for smaller companies,” says **THG Ingenuity’s** CTO, Rachel Jones. “We’re seeing a rise in the cost of deployment, and it’s putting pressure on our business model.”
Cultivating a Culture of AI Adoption
Another key takeaway from the summit was the importance of cultivating a culture that supports the adoption of agentic systems. **Kingfisher’s** CTO, James Murray, emphasized the need for organizations to invest in the skills and training required to work with autonomous systems. “We’re not just talking about technology here, we’re talking about people – and how they’re going to work with these systems in a way that adds value to the business,” he notes.
Preparing for a Future of Autonomous Systems
As the UK’s tech landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that agentic systems are no longer just a futuristic concept – they’re a reality that businesses need to start preparing for. **Deloitte’s** head of AI, David Taylor, sees this shift as an opportunity for companies to redefine their business models and create new revenue streams. “The key is to think about how we can design systems that are not just efficient, but also fair and explainable,” he notes.
What this means:
The transition to agentic AI is a complex and costly process that requires significant investment in technology, training, and culture. Businesses that fail to adapt will risk being left behind – while those that succeed will be able to unlock new revenue streams and stay ahead of the competition.
