There’s a term increasingly showing up in tech‑industry forecasts: “agentic AI.” It refers to systems that don’t just assist — they act autonomously, making decisions and carrying out tasks without constant human input. This is shaping up to be one of the most defining trends of 2025 and beyond.

What is agentic AI — and why now?

Unlike earlier “AI assistants” that responded to prompts, agentic AI models have the capacity to plan, execute, and iterate on workflows. For businesses, this means automating complex processes such as data analysis, financial modelling, and even operational decisions — reducing reliance on human intervention.

Analysts forecast that by 2028, a significant portion of day‑to‑day work decisions across industries might be handled by autonomous agents — a major leap from 2024 levels.

Broader technological shifts tied to agentic AI
Cybersecurity & defense — As AI becomes more powerful, both attackers and defenders will deploy AI agents. Some academic research already warns this could accelerate the cyber arms race.

Edge & IoT synergy — Agentic AI running on edge devices could enable instant decision‑making locally — for example, in smart cameras, autonomous vehicles, or industrial IoT systems.

Sustainability & resource allocation — More efficient workflows could minimize waste, optimize energy use, and reduce redundant tasks, aligning tech growth with environmental priorities.

What to watch out for

Although the potential is huge, bringing agentic AI into daily operations raises concerns:

Who controls decision‑making when AI agents act alone?

How do we ensure fairness, accountability, and transparency when decisions affect people’s jobs and lives?

What safeguards should exist to prevent misuse — especially in cybersecurity or data privacy domains?

Final thought: Agentic AI is not the future. It’s the present — and 2026 could be the year we start seeing its effects across industries. Firms and policymakers need awareness and preparation