Open digital markets so AI can buy – and negotiate – for you

Imagine a world where you have a digital assistant that can do more than just answer your questions in a chat. In the future, you could send your assistant to a digital marketplace to order your groceries, book a flight, or even negotiate the terms of your apartment lease.

These AI-powered agents could interact with company agents on your behalf and advocate on your behalf – all without you having to lift a finger.

This future doesn’t just apply to the world of science fiction. In an article published Thursday in Communications of the ACM, Microsoft researchers say this type of open agent economy is the most beneficial way for AI to advance and maximize opportunities for both companies and individuals.

What is an open agent economy?

As the agent economy is currently taking shape, many of the AI ​​agents we interact with exist in what is known as a “walled garden.” For example, if you need help rescheduling a flight, you can chat with the AI ​​agent on the airline’s website…