A joint look into the future with the Zurich airport region
Together with the Zurich Airport region, we were able to hold an inspiring webinar that clearly demonstrated one thing: The discussion around artificial intelligence has reached a new phase. While ChatGPT and Copilot have already arrived in many companies, we are only at the beginning of a much larger development. AI agents mark the next evolutionary step – and this is precisely where the strategic debate for companies begins.
The high level of participation and interest confirms this: The topic is moving. And it also shows that many organizations have recognized that it is no longer a question of “if”, but “how fast”.
AI Agents: The next logical step
Many companies have gained initial experience with AI assistance systems. Copilot provides support in everyday life, helping with writing, analyzing or summarizing. But AI agents go much further: they not only provide answers, but also take over tasks – and increasingly entire processes.
The webinar made this clear: AI agents are systems that can automate business processes, prepare decisions and even execute them autonomously in certain cases. They operate in the context of company data, rules and defined processes.
The decisive difference is therefore not in the technology itself, but in the outcome: moving away from pure support to measurable business impact.
The reality in companies: High relevance, low implementation
A key learning from the webinar is the discrepancy between strategic importance and operational implementation. The majority of companies see AI as business-critical – at the same time, there is often a lack of clearly prioritized use cases, structured processes and sufficient know-how in the team.
This gap is no coincidence. Many organizations are still very busy with traditional digitalization or are struggling with the speed of technological developments. At the same time, it is clear that those who do not take action today risk being left behind.
AI agents offer an opportunity here – but only for companies that are prepared to really scrutinize their processes.
Rethinking productivity: why AI agents are a game changer
Knowledge work today is characterized by interruptions, context changes and inefficient processes. Employees spend a lot of time searching, coordinating and repeating tasks.
This is exactly where AI agents come in. Even simple scenarios – such as the targeted retrieval of information – can bring significant efficiency gains. Advanced agents go even further and take over entire process steps, orchestrate systems or automatically generate results.
The potential is enormous: studies and practical experience show productivity gains in the double-digit percentage range. However, the prerequisite is that processes are not simply digitized, but rethought.
From assistance to autonomy: the development stages of AI agents
A clear maturity model was presented in the webinar. Companies typically start with assistance solutions – i.e. AI that provides information or supports simple tasks.
The next step is to create the first AI agents that automate sub-processes and collaborate with employees. In the long term, this will develop into an agent-based organization in which several agents interact with each other and control complex processes independently.
It is important to note that this development is not a big bang. Successful companies deliberately start small, gain experience and scale up gradually.
Practical examples: From knowledge management to service automation
The topic was made particularly tangible by specific customer examples. For example, it was shown how an internationally active company has improved access to extensive knowledge data with the help of an AI agent. Instead of laborious searches, users receive context-related answers including sources, images or videos.
Another example from the energy sector demonstrated how an AI agent answers technical questions, makes recommendations and even triggers follow-up processes – such as creating offers or checking availability.
These examples show: AI agents are no longer a vision of the future. They can be implemented today and are already delivering measurable added value.
Shadow AI and governance: why now is the right time
Shadow AI is a topic that is often underestimated. Many employees are already using AI tools today – often without official approval or governance. This harbors risks in terms of data protection, compliance and data quality.
This is precisely why now is the right time to act. Companies must actively provide solutions that are secure, integrated and controllable. Platforms such as Microsoft Copilot offer a clear framework for combining innovation and governance.
AI agents can therefore not only increase efficiency, but also bring order to an increasingly fragmented tool landscape.
The decisive success factor: Rethinking processes
A key conclusion of the webinar: A bad process remains a bad process, even with AI. The real leverage only comes when companies are prepared to fundamentally rethink their processes.
AI agents unfold their full potential where processes are simplified, restructured and consistently geared towards added value. This requires courage, clarity and close cooperation between specialist departments and IT.
Our conclusion: start now and build up experience
The most important message at the end: now is the right time to get to grips with AI agents. Not theoretically, but practically.
Companies that start today build up knowledge, create their first use cases and develop a feeling for the right application. If you wait, you lose time – and therefore competitive advantages.
Together with the Zurich Airport region, we look forward to continuing this dialog and supporting companies on this path. Because one thing is clear: AI agents are not just the next trend – they are a central component of the future corporate organization.
Do you have specific questions or use cases that you would like to discuss in more detail?
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