AI agents revolutionizing B2B procurement processes are forecast to drive over $15 trillion in global business spending by 2028, according to Gartner’s latest projections shared at its IT Symposium/Xpo.
AI Agents Revolutionizing B2B Procurement Processes
Latest Developments
Gartner projects that by 2028, 90% of B2B purchases will be handled by AI systems, shifting procurement to autonomous platforms. This transformation is poised to reshape enterprise commerce, affecting everything from contract negotiations to real-time verification.
Background and Context
The rising influence of AI agents is part of a broader trend toward automation in business operations. Gartner’s 10 strategic predictions through 2028 highlight how AI is impacting compliance, hiring, service delivery, and even legal liability. As AI matures, it’s no longer just a back-end tool—it’s becoming a front-line actor in critical enterprise decisions.
Reactions or Expert Opinions
“To properly prepare for the future, CIOs and executives must prioritize behavioral shifts alongside adoption of new technologies,” said Daryl Plummer, Gartner VP and head of AI research. Analysts also cautioned that rapid developments could outpace organizational readiness, leading to regulatory and ethical challenges.
Figures or Data Insights
- AI agents will manage $15 trillion in B2B transactions annually by 2028.
- By 2027, 75% of hiring will assess AI proficiency; 50% of firms will also test for AI-free thinking.
- 35% of global regions will operate on fragmented, local AI platforms due to regulation.
- Gartner expects $58B in productivity suite disruption as generative AI competes with legacy tools.
Outlook or Next Steps
Organizations must prepare for a future where AI not only assists but autonomously leads purchasing and client interactions. Compliance frameworks, legal readiness, and hybrid human-AI systems will be critical for navigating this transformation. Businesses ignoring this shift risk falling behind in speed, accuracy, and cost-efficiency.
As AI continues redefining global commerce, enterprises that embrace agile, trustworthy AI architectures will likely lead the next wave of digital procurement transformation.
