Full Breakdown
The Rise of the Agentic Internet: Implications for Businesses
11/23/2025, 12:23:56 PM
The Emergence of Autonomous Agents
The concept of the agentic internet is gaining traction as advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language interfaces enable autonomous agents to perform tasks on behalf of users and businesses. This shift marks a transition from human-centered interactions to agent-to-agent transactions, where AI agents negotiate, transact, and optimize processes without direct human involvement. According to research by Cognizant, AI-powered consumers could account for up to 55% of spending by 2030, translating to over $690 billion in the UK alone.
Redefining User Experience: The Agent Experience (AX)
As businesses adapt to this new paradigm, the focus will shift from user experience (UX) to agent experience (AX). The goal of AX is to create systems that are intelligible, reliable, and efficient for software intermediaries. Unlike human users who may enjoy the browsing experience, agents prioritize logic, precision, and efficiency. This necessitates a rethinking of design principles; systems must be structured for machine understanding, with consistent data and predictable APIs.
Organizational Changes and New Roles
The transition to an agentic internet will require significant changes within organizations. Product management teams must treat APIs as standalone products, while data teams will need to ensure clarity and consistency across digital touchpoints. Compliance and risk specialists will play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and accountability for autonomous agents. New roles, such as AX strategists and API product managers, will emerge to embed AX principles into development processes.
Sector-Specific Adaptations
Industries are responding to the rise of agentic technology at varying paces. Retail and media sectors are early adopters, shifting from selling individual products to fulfilling comprehensive outcomes, such as complete wardrobes or meal plans. In contrast, sectors like insurance and healthcare are proceeding cautiously due to regulatory and trust concerns. However, the potential for automation is significant; for instance, medical devices could autonomously coordinate care, and insurance products could self-adjust based on user behavior.
The Importance of Machine Readability
As digital interactions increasingly become agent-led, businesses must ensure their services are machine-readable. Traditional performance metrics, such as page views, will become less relevant. Success will be measured by how frequently agents choose to interact with a business. Companies that adapt early to these changes will benefit from faster transactions, reduced acquisition costs, and stronger relationships through ongoing automated engagement.
Conclusion: Preparing for the Agentic Future
The agentic internet is not a distant future but an emerging reality. Businesses that proactively adapt to this shift will be better positioned to maintain visibility and competitiveness in an increasingly automated landscape. The evolution towards an agentic internet underscores the need for organizations to rethink their digital strategies and embrace the changes brought about by autonomous agents.
