The Rise of Agentic AI: Synthesis of Current Knowledge and Future Research Agenda

Agentic artificial intelligence (AAI) represents a significant evolution in the field of AI, moving beyond traditional and generative systems toward models characterized by autonomy, adaptivity, proactiveness, and decision agency. Unlike earlier AI paradigms that were reactive or limited to narrow tasks, AAI integrates reasoning, memory, planning, and tool orchestration to pursue complex objectives with minimal human oversight. Using a systematic literature review method, this study synthesizes current knowledge on AAI by examining its conceptual foundations, practical applications, and emerging research directions. Conceptually, AAI is distinguished from automation, generative AI, and multi-agent systems through its unique capacity to operate as a socio-technical partner in organizational and societal contexts. In practice, AAI is being applied across sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education, and sustainability, enabling organizations to enhance decision support, optimize processes, and improve resilience in global business contexts. However, these advancements present significant challenges, including governance, transparency, accountability, workforce transformation, and integration with legacy systems. On the research front, four major streams dominate current scholarship: human–AI collaboration and co-agency; balancing AI autonomy with human control; governance and trust; and societal and ethical implications. To unify these insights, this paper develops an antecedent–mechanism–outcome framework linking technological, organizational, and societal enablers to the mechanisms and outcomes of AAI adoption. Building on this synthesis, a future research agenda is proposed that emphasizes conceptual refinement, responsible integration, methodological innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Overall, the study contributes to both academic and managerial understanding in the global business context by highlighting AAI as both a driver of business strategy and a potential enabler of organizational excellence and sustainable development.