Why So Many Agentic AI Projects Fail, And How to Make Yours Succeed

Gartner recently predicted that over 40% of Agentic AI projects will be cancelled by 2027. If you’ve been watching this space closely, that statistic might feel less surprising than it is sobering. The main reasons that make these projects fail are unclear business value and inadequate risk controls.

And yet, for every project that stalls or gets shelved, there are others showing real promise because they’re being done with care, purpose, and a strong link to the work itself.

I’ve been lucky to be part of several such initiatives, working alongside teams as they rethink how work gets done and roll out AI solutions that stick. If you’re starting (or struggling to implement agentic AI projects in HR), here’s what tends to make the difference.

🎯 Start With the Why

It’s tempting to jump in, especially with the excitement (and pressure) around AI right now. But without a clearly defined business problem to solve, you’re setting yourself up for a lot of effort without impact. Know the outcome you’re aiming for. Define success in measurable terms. Root the decision to use AI in your strategy, not the other way around.

🔮 Think Long Term

The AI tool landscape is exploding. But many of today’s flashy solutions won’t be around for long, or won’t scale with you. Enterprise platforms might lag behind some of the early movers, but they’re building for durability, integration, and enterprise needs. Be cautious of stitching together too many niche tools too quickly. The last thing you want is a Frankenstein that you cannot manage in the future.

🛠️ Focus on the Work

At its best, AI helps us do our jobs better. But it can’t help if we don’t understand the job in the first place. That means mapping workflows, identifying pain points, and figuring out where AI can truly assist and where humans need to stay in the loop. This is where many efforts go sideways: trying to bolt AI on without grounding it in the actual work.

🙋 People First, Always

AI will shift roles. It will reshape responsibilities. But no technology will thrive without the people who use it. Consider the implications early: What capabilities will be needed? How will performance be measured? How will the culture shift? And what support will people need to make it all work? Ignoring this part is a fast track to resistance or failure.

HR Has a Leading Role to Play in Making Agentic AI Projects a Success

This is a moment of transformation, and HR is at the tip of the spear. We’re not just implementing AI within our own teams; we’re also guiding our organizations through what this means for jobs, workflows, and culture. We’ve been here before. We know how to navigate change. And we’re ready to lead.

At Nua, we work with HR leaders to turn AI potential into impactful outcomes, helping you align strategy, redesign workflows, and bring your teams with you. If you’re exploring how to make it all work in practice, let’s talk.