IDC: Global Active Agents to Surpass 2.2 Billion by 2030
International Data Corporation (IDC) has released a preliminary forecast from its 'DAA Research Report,' detailing the metric of Daily Active Agents (DAA). The report projects a significant surge in the number of active agents globally. Starting from 28.6 million in 2025, the figure is expected to reach 79.4 million in 2026. The most dramatic growth is anticipated by 2030, when IDC predicts the number of active agents will exceed 2.216 billion. The DAA metric itself was first introduced by Robin Li, founder of Baidu, at the Create 2026 conference. Unlike traditional metrics such as model parameters or token consumption, DAA emphasizes the number of agents that actively engage in business processes, complete tasks, and generate value on a daily basis.
The projected exponential growth in Daily Active Agents (DAA) by 2030 highlights a fundamental shift in how digital services will be consumed and delivered. This metric moves beyond raw computational power or data processing to focus on tangible, daily utility and value creation by intelligent agents. As these agents become more integrated into business workflows, their proliferation suggests a future where automated systems and AI-driven services are not just tools, but active participants in economic and daily life. The challenge for businesses and policymakers will be to ensure the responsible development, deployment, and governance of these agents, addressing potential issues of data privacy, security, and equitable access to the benefits they offer. Understanding the DAA metric is crucial for anticipating the evolving landscape of the digital economy and the increasing reliance on AI-powered interactions.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.