Applications of Agent-Based Technologies in Smart Organizations

Abstract

This chapter introduces agent technology as a means of creating dynamic software systems for the changing needs of smart organizations. The notion of agency is introduced, and individual and collective agent architectures are described. Agent interaction methods and agent system design techniques are discussed. Application areas of agent technology are overviewed. The chapter argues that the autonomous and proactive nature of agent systems make them suitable as the new information infrastructure for the networked components of dynamically changing smart organizations.