AI Agents and Agentic Systems: A Multi-Expert Analysis

Journal Name: Journal of Computer Information Systems

The paper presents a review of emerging AI agent technologies from a multidisciplinary perspective. The central argument is that AI agents – autonomous systems capable of learning, reasoning and executing actions with minimal human input – represent a significant evolution beyond traditional AI and generative AI models. These agents are positioned as transformative forces across industries by enabling decentralized decision-making, automating complex workflows and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

The authors highlight practical applications such as AI agents in healthcare that design adaptive treatment plans, supply chain agents that proactively manage disruptions and enterprise systems that automate business processes. These capabilities promise enhanced efficiency, responsiveness and innovation. However, they also introduce critical challenges. Among them are ethical dilemmas around bias and accountability, legal uncertainties about liability and personhood, risks of workforce displacement, and significant demands on energy and data infrastructure.

Expert contributions in the article cover a wide range of issues. Some explore how agentic systems could flatten organizational hierarchies and reshape business processes; others delve into leadership challenges, impact on workplace culture, and governance complexities. Several contributors stress the importance of explainability, sustainability and public trust, arguing that these systems must be transparent, ethically guided and environmentally conscious.

The paper concludes by urging for the development of robust governance frameworks, new legal models, interdisciplinary research on agent-human collaboration and strategies for workforce reskilling. AI agents hold enormous potential and their responsible deployment hinges on addressing these multifaceted challenges thoughtfully and inclusively.