The Autonomous Organisation

How far away are we from autonomous organisations?

Organisations run without humans, just with technology and agentic AI taking inputs, converting them into outputs, and making the decisions along the way. Gartner reckons that by 2035, at least one major industry is expected to be led by an autonomous business.

That is led by, not just existing.

And it is 2035, which is about 9 years away. Think about it.

At Irrational Change we often use a 'Blue Sky' exercise with our clients where we explore what their organisation would look like if they started over, with what they know now, and what they predict of the future.

Would you take on humans, with their 40 hour working weeks (they need to sleep, eat, rest, heal), their need to be directed and led, with their tribal dynamics.

Or would you automate completely?

It takes clarity - of your consumer needs, of the value you offer, of what differentiates you, or gives you competitive advantage.

It isn't so unusual. Passive income streams have been a big dream on social media for a while, with the idea that you can earn in your sleep. Orders and payments are taken, products are delivered digitially, without human touch.

Organisations already outsource many of their processes to others, from manufacturing to customer service - and quickly learn the need for clarity and working processes before you automate or delegate to others.

If the industry leader will be autonomous in 2035, there is a good chance that we will see early adopters in the next 2-3 years.

How autonomous could your industry be?

Probably more than you are comfortable with.

Source: Gartner