Member report (Elsewhen): Building the Agentic Enterprise: AI Agents & Multi-Agent Systems
In today's enterprise, it’s common to have hundreds of software applications, most of which operate in silos, creating a tangled web of inefficiencies that hamper productivity.
AI-powered multi-agent systems (MAS) and AI agents address these inefficiencies by delivering three core advantages to enterprises: increased productivity, cost-efficiency, and adaptability. These capabilities form the foundation of what we call the agentic enterprise — an organisation where AI-driven systems collaborate seamlessly, adapt dynamically, and operate with a degree of independent reasoning.
By enabling real-time data flow and decision-making across previously isolated systems, these networks streamline workflows and reduce manual intervention, freeing up valuable time and resources. Their adaptability allows organisations to build solutions tailored to specific operational needs, reducing reliance on rigid, one-size-fits-all SaaS tools. By moving towards proprietary multi-agent systems and setting the groundwork for the agentic enterprise, businesses can build flexible, customised workflows that better align with their goals.
MAS are composed of AI agents, which range from basic task-specific tools to more advanced autonomous agents capable of agentic reasoning, planning, and adapting to changing conditions. While not all AI agents are necessarily fully autonomous, the integration of even basic agents can streamline operations and improve efficiency across complex workflows.
The adoption of AI agents is happening faster than you may think. According to a recent survey of over 1,300 professionals, 51% of companies already have AI agents in production, with 78% actively planning to implement them soon. Mid-sized companies (100–2000 employees) are leading the way, with 63% already deploying agents. Interestingly, this momentum isn’t confined to the tech sector; 90% of non-tech companies are using or planning to use agents, nearly matching the adoption rates of tech companies at 89%.
Elsewhere, with the arrival of multi-agent frameworks like OpenAI’s Swarm, LangGraph, and ReAct, enterprises can now bridge disconnected agents through intelligent, collaborative systems, creating a cohesive network that transforms decision-making and operational efficiency.
These frameworks are driving multi-agent systems to become increasingly agentic, meaning they are powered by autonomous agents capable of reasoning, planning, learning from past interactions and communicating with each other. This shift allows MAS to go beyond simple task coordination, fundamentally reshaping how software integrates within enterprise environments.
At the same time, Stripe now lets AI agents make controlled purchases using temporary virtual cards — another sign they’re moving from concept to reality.
Read Elsewhen's whitepaper, which outlines the strategic opportunities unlocked by AI agents and multi-agent systems and explore how they lay the foundation for the agentic enterprise.
techUK - Seizing the AI Opportunity
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AI has the potential to boost UK GDP by £550 billion by 2035, making adoption an urgent economic priority. techUK and our members are committed to working with the Government to turn the AI Opportunities Action Plan into reality. Together we can ensure the UK seizes the opportunities presented by AI technology and continues to be a world leader in AI development.
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Contact the team
Kir Nuthi
Kir Nuthi
Kir Nuthi is the Head of AI and Data at techUK.
She holds over seven years of Government Affairs and Tech Policy experience in the US and UK. Kir previously headed up the regulatory portfolio at a UK advocacy group for tech startups and held various public affairs in US tech policy. All involved policy research and campaigns on competition, artificial intelligence, access to data, and pro-innovation regulation.
Kir has an MSc in International Public Policy from University College London and a BA in both Political Science (International Relations) and Economics from the University of California San Diego.
Outside of techUK, you are likely to find her attempting studies at art galleries, attempting an elusive headstand at yoga, mending and binding books, or chasing her dog Maya around South London's many parks.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman Ikhlaq
Usman joined techUK in January 2024 as Programme Manager for Artificial Intelligence.
He leads techUK’s AI Adoption programme, supporting members of all sizes and sectors in adopting AI at scale. His work involves identifying barriers to adoption, exploring solutions, and helping to unlock AI’s transformative potential, particularly its benefits for people, the economy, society, and the planet. He is also committed to advancing the UK’s AI sector and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in AI by working closely with techUK members, the UK Government, regulators, and devolved and local authorities.
Since joining techUK, Usman has delivered a regular drumbeat of activity to engage members and advance techUK's AI programme. This has included two campaign weeks, the creation of the AI Adoption Hub (now the AI Hub), the AI Leader's Event Series, the Putting AI into Action webinar series and the Industrial AI sprint campaign.
Before joining techUK, Usman worked as a policy, regulatory and government/public affairs professional in the advertising sector. He has also worked in sales, marketing, and FinTech.
Usman holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a GDL and LLB from BPP Law School, and a BA from Queen Mary University of London.
When he isn’t working, Usman enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He also has a keen interest in running, reading and travelling.
Sue Daley OBE
Sue Daley OBE
Sue leads techUK's Technology and Innovation work.
This includes work programmes on cloud, data protection, data analytics, AI, digital ethics, Digital Identity and Internet of Things as well as emerging and transformative technologies and innovation policy.
In 2025, Sue was honoured with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Technology Industry in the New Year Honours List.
She has been recognised as one of the most influential people in UK tech by Computer Weekly's UKtech50 Longlist and in 2021 was inducted into the Computer Weekly Most Influential Women in UK Tech Hall of Fame.
A key influencer in driving forward the data agenda in the UK, Sue was co-chair of the UK government's National Data Strategy Forum until July 2024. As well as being recognised in the UK's Big Data 100 and the Global Top 100 Data Visionaries for 2020 Sue has also been shortlisted for the Milton Keynes Women Leaders Awards and was a judge for the Loebner Prize in AI. In addition to being a regular industry speaker on issues including AI ethics, data protection and cyber security, Sue was recently a judge for the UK Tech 50 and is a regular judge of the annual UK Cloud Awards.
Prior to joining techUK in January 2015 Sue was responsible for Symantec's Government Relations in the UK and Ireland. She has spoken at events including the UK-China Internet Forum in Beijing, UN IGF and European RSA on issues ranging from data usage and privacy, cloud computing and online child safety. Before joining Symantec, Sue was senior policy advisor at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Sue has an BA degree on History and American Studies from Leeds University and a Masters Degree on International Relations and Diplomacy from the University of Birmingham. Sue is a keen sportswoman and in 2016 achieved a lifelong ambition to swim the English Channel.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 020 7331 2055
- Twitter:
- @ChannelSwimSue,@ChannelSwimSue
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