Agile continues to shape business strategies by 2025

Forrester's recent report on "The State of Agile Development, 2025" examines the enduring importance of agile methodologies amidst evolving technological landscapes, including the rise of generative AI.

The report indicates that 95% of surveyed professionals globally acknowledge agile's essential role in enhancing organisational agility and adaptability. Despite discussions about agile's relevance, this data suggests that agile continues to be a fundamental element in modern business practices.

Organisations are prioritising agile to facilitate collaboration and improve customer value delivery, although only 7% of companies report high proficiency in applying agile practices at scale. This low percentage suggests a requirement for stronger leadership and a cultural commitment to fully realise agile's potential.

The study also explores the integration of AI tools, such as TuringBots, into agile practices, which appears to foster more efficient and effective software development processes. These tools support the streamlining of workflows and offer automation for repetitive tasks, enhancing decision-making and resource management within agile frameworks. The report notes that almost half of respondents are already utilising AI tools in their agile practices.

Agile is considered by many surveyed professionals as the cornerstone of business strategy, praised for its ability to help meet dynamic market demands and provide superior customer experiences. The methodology also plays a crucial role in driving cultural transformation by promoting collaborative, cross-functional teams and transparent communication within organisations.

Agile's longevity is evidenced by the 61% of businesses that report successful application over the past five years or more, showcasing agile's ability to evolve and remain relevant alongside new technologies. However, challenges in achieving agile proficiency persist, often due to resistance to change, inadequate leadership, and cultural barriers that hinder full agile adoption.

Diego Lo Giudice, Vice President and Principal Analyst at Forrester, commented on the findings in a recent blog post, "As the tech world evolves at a breakneck pace, businesses need adaptability, collaboration, and speed more than ever. Agile is not static—it's dynamic. It remains an unshakable foundation for organisations navigating the complexities of digital transformation and leveraging AI's potential."