Author Identifier (ORCID)
Laurie Hughes: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0956-0608
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
1-1-2025
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
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. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1108/JSIT-07-2025-0306