At QCon London 2026, Matthew Skelton, co-author of Team Topologies, highlighted that many businesses fail to reap benefits from AI investments due to organizational rather than technical challenges. He noted that 80% of firms report no tangible AI benefits, often due to a lack of maturity in governing delegated agency. Skelton emphasized the importance of “bounded agency,” where authority is constrained by rules, allowing clear mission focus and value delivery. This governance structure aids in managing both human and AI interactions, preventing vulnerabilities like “Excessive Agency,” a concern reflected in industry studies. He advocated for stewardship over ownership, enabling effective management of mission-critical systems. Skelton introduced the Innovation and Practices Enabling Team to replicate successful strategies across departments. Highlighting JP Morgan’s use of social dynamics to encourage AI adoption, Skelton underscored that active knowledge diffusion is crucial for adapting to rapid technological advancements and overcoming cultural hurdles in AI implementation.
