Agentic information systems — Holldack et al. (2026)

Abstract Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have catalyzed the emergence of agentic information systems (IS), which exhibit autonomous behavior and advanced cognitive capabilities. Unlike traditional IS, which functioned primarily as reactive tools supporting humans, agentic IS can make decisions independently, act in unstructured environments, and even delegate tasks to humans. This paradigm shift fundamentally transforms the human-IS relationship, questioning the long-standing assumption of human agentic primacy in IS research and practice. In this article, we provide a conceptual overview of agentic IS, delineating their defining characteristics and situating them within the broader evolution of IS. We introduce key archetypes of agentic IS, explore novel patterns of delegation and interaction between humans and machines, and discuss the socio-technical implications of these developments. Furthermore, we highlight the challenges and risks associated with integrating agentic IS from an individual, organizational, and societal perspective, emphasizing the need for nuanced understanding to harness the potential while addressing emerging complexities. This Brief reads the authors' abstract and conclusion in the authors' own words. Abstract source: doi-metadata Authors: F. Holldack, L. Banh, G. Strobel Publication date: 2026 Read the paper Source license: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Narration: Read verbatim by an AI-generated voice. The authors and publisher do not sponsor or endorse this recording. Full episode