Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
Purpose: This paper aims to explore how biomimetic principles can inform governance models for agentic artificial intelligence (AI) systems, autonomous, adaptive entities that challenge traditional oversight frameworks. It argues that nature-inspired governance offers a dynamic alternative to static, compliance-based models. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopts a conceptual viewpoint approach. It synthesizes literature on AI governance, systems theory and biomimicry, applying thematic analysis to existing frameworks and mapping identified gaps to five natural principles: symmetry, fractals, cymatic feedback, self-organization and phase transitions. Findings: Current governance frameworks lack mechanisms for managing emergent behaviors and distributed agency in agentic AI. The proposed biomimetic lens offers a conceptual scaffold for adaptative, decentralized governance aligned with ethical norms. Research limitations/implications: No empirical validation is provided; future research should use simulation or design science to test biomimetic governance in real-world contexts. Practical implications: This paper offers actionable guidance for policymakers and system designers to adaptive, resilient governance mechanisms into agentic AI architectures. Originality/value: Introduces “Biomimic AI” as a novel paradigm for governing agentic systems, extending systems theory and responsible AI discourse through nature-inspired design logic.
Keywords
Adaptive intelligence, agentic AI, artificial intelligence, biomimicry, ethics and governance
Document Type
Journal Article
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Volume
28
Issue
3
Publication Title
Journal of Systems and Information Technology
Publisher
Emerald
School
School of Business and Law
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
Content Type
Full object
First Page
513
Last Page
537
Recommended Citation
Malik, T., Hughes, L., Dwivedi, Y. K., De Mello, N., Barahona, I., & Jeon, I. (2026). The nature of agency: Designing agentic systems using a biomimetic lens. Journal of Systems and Information Technology, 28(3), 513-537. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSIT-07-2025-0306
Comments
This is an Authors Accepted Manuscript version of an article published by Emerald Publishing in Journal of Systems and Information Technology. The published article is available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JSIT-07-2025-0306
Malik, T., Hughes, L., Dwivedi, Y. K., De Mello, N., Barahona, I., & Jeon, I. (2026). The nature of agency: Designing agentic systems using a biomimetic lens. Journal of Systems and Information Technology, 28(3), 513-537. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSIT-07-2025-0306