If there’s one term that Scotland should organize it’s digital nation and tech sector growth ambitions around it’s “Agentic AI”.
This has become the hottest buzzword encapsulating the impact of AI on the business world and the new ventures and solutions it is powering.
Agentic AI
Agentic AI is artificial intelligence that acts independently, making decisions and taking actions to achieve goals without constant human guidance. Imagine a trusted assistant who doesn’t just follow instructions but proactively solves problems, like a virtual partner figuring out the best way to get things done.
Unlike traditional AI, which might only analyze data or answer questions, Agentic AI perceives its environment, reasons through options, acts on its decisions, and learns from experience.
It’s like a self-driving car navigating traffic or a smart home system ordering groceries when you’re running low, adapting to changes like a sudden rain forecast.
This technology works by combining abilities like understanding data from sensors or the internet, planning steps to reach a goal, and adjusting when things go off track. For example, an Agentic AI could manage a factory by detecting a machine fault, rerouting tasks, and scheduling repairs without human input.
It relies on tools like machine learning to predict outcomes, natural language processing to communicate, and planning algorithms to map out actions. This makes it exciting because it saves time, adapts to disruptions, and personalizes solutions, like booking flights that match your preference for a window seat.
However, Agentic AI comes with challenges. Trust is key—nobody wants an AI ordering 1,000 bananas by mistake. Privacy concerns arise when it accesses personal data, and ethical issues like bias need careful handling to ensure fairness.
It’s also complex and costly to build, and its ability to replace certain jobs raises questions about employment. Looking ahead, Agentic AI could transform fields like healthcare or education, working collaboratively to manage complex systems. As it evolves, ensuring safety and transparency will be crucial.
Scotland’s Opportunity – An Agentic AI Action Plan
Scotland has a strong foundation to become a world leader in Agentic AI—artificial intelligence that autonomously makes decisions and acts to achieve goals—by leveraging its history of innovation, world-class universities, and commitment to ethical AI. Building on its AI Strategy launched in 2021, which emphasizes trustworthy, ethical, and inclusive AI, Scotland can implement a targeted innovation program to excel in this field.
First, Scotland could establish dedicated Agentic AI research hubs through partnerships between universities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, and industry leaders. These hubs would focus on developing autonomous systems for sectors where Scotland excels, such as healthcare, renewable energy, and finance.
For instance, Agentic AI could enhance NHS Scotland’s diagnostic tools, like the AI-powered breast cancer detection system already piloted, or optimize tidal energy systems, building on existing decarbonization projects. Funding from the Scottish Government’s Can Do Innovation Challenge Fund, which has supported AI-driven climate solutions, could be expanded to prioritize Agentic AI applications.
Second, Scotland should strengthen its AI ecosystem by fostering collaboration through the Scottish AI Alliance.
This could involve creating Agentic AI task forces to connect public sector bodies, businesses, and researchers. These task forces would develop practical frameworks, like the Scottish AI Playbook, to guide ethical deployment of autonomous systems. Mandatory registration of AI projects on the Scottish AI Register would ensure transparency, building public trust in Agentic AI’s decision-making processes.
Finally, upskilling the workforce is critical. Scotland could launch specialized training programs through The Data Lab, focusing on Agentic AI development and ethics.
By integrating these into schools and universities, and offering free courses like “Living with AI,” Scotland can cultivate a diverse, skilled talent pool. International partnerships, aligned with OECD AI principles, would amplify Scotland’s global influence, attracting investment and positioning it as a leader in ethical Agentic AI.
