Agent Economy

Definition ∞ An Agent Economy describes a system where independent, often AI-driven, entities engage in economic activities, transactions, and resource allocation. These agents operate with a degree of autonomy, interacting with each other and with protocols to achieve predefined objectives or fulfill programmed roles. Their interactions collectively shape market dynamics and the distribution of digital assets within a decentralized framework. This economic model shifts focus from direct human control to the emergent properties of interacting computational agents.
Context ∞ Discussions surrounding Agent Economies are increasingly prevalent as decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and sophisticated smart contract functionalities mature. The potential for agents to autonomously manage capital, execute trading strategies, or even participate in governance presents both novel opportunities and security considerations. Current discourse centers on establishing robust frameworks for agent accountability, inter-agent communication protocols, and the economic incentives that govern their emergent behaviors. Monitoring the development of agent-based systems is crucial for understanding the future architecture of decentralized finance and digital asset management.