Agentic AI
Fast track (Summarised definition)
Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems capable of autonomous action, decision-making, and goal pursuit with limited human intervention. Unlike passive AI tools that wait for prompts, Agentic AI can plan workflows, use tools, and execute complex multi-step tasks to achieve broader objectives, transforming AI from an assistant to an autonomous agent.
Full lap (Full definition)
Agentic AI represents a significant evolution in artificial intelligence, referring to systems that exhibit agency—the capacity to act autonomously to achieve defined goals. Unlike traditional generative AI, which passively responds to user prompts (e.g., "write an email"), Agentic AI can understand a high-level objective (e.g., "plan and execute a cold outreach campaign"), break it down into tasks, and execute them using various digital tools without constant human hand-holding.
The importance of Agentic AI lies in its potential to transform business productivity. These agents can perceive their environment, reason about how to overcome obstacles, and use tools like web browsers, code interpreters, and APIs to complete work. For example, an agentic system could autonomously research prospects, draft personalised emails, schedule meetings, and update the CRM.
Key capabilities include planning, memory, and tool use. An agentic system can create a plan, remember the outcome of previous steps, and adjust its approach if an error occurs. This creates a "loop" of action and reflection that mimics human problem-solving patterns.
Applications in marketing and operations are vast. Agentic AI can handle customer support tier-one resolution autonomously, manage complex supply chain logistics by reacting to weather delays in real-time, or conduct continuous market research by scraping and analysing competitor data daily.
However, implementation requires robust guardrails. Because these systems act autonomously, businesses must establish strict oversight and permission frameworks to prevent unintended actions. As Agentic AI matures, it promises to shift the human role from "operator" to "manager" of AI workforces.