What's the difference between Generative AI and Agentic AI?

Today's article is a bit of a shift in topics/themes from prior content but something that I think absolutely warrants thought. Let's briefly discuss the differences between Generative AI and Agentic AI.

Generative AI vs Agentic AI

Most end users these days are starting to get comfortable with the convenience of Generative AI (GenAI). This form of Artificial Intelligence is primarily focused on content creation. It's reactive in nature, which means it's directly waiting for (and responding to) specific human prompts. In that respect, it's largely functioning as a digital creator. Because of this dependency on straight-forward input, the motions for Generative AI are largely transactional and discrete. Input A --> Output A. Input B --> Output B.

OK, cool. But what if our intent/focus is different? What if I need the AI to solve multi-step problems or perform autonomous actions? That's where Agentic AI comes in. Agentic AI can take things a ways further by defining a plan, executing complex multi-step tasks, making decisions, and interacting with external systems.

Comparison

Confused yet? I think a feature-by-feature comparison might help.

• Primary Focus
  • Generative AI: Content creation (generating new text, images, code, etc).
  • Agentic AI: Autonomous action and goal achievement (solving multi-step problems).
• Operational Style
  • Generative AI: Reactive (waits for specific prompts)
  • Agentic AI: Proactive (initiates multi-step processes and acts independently to achieve a defined goal)
• Task Complexity
  • Generative AI: Intended for discrete, single tasks with a clear beginning and end. Things like creating a picture, drafting a text response, etc.
  • Agentic AI: Intended for more complicated tasks (often connected in a series) that require planning, execution, and adaptation.
• Autonomy
  • Generative AI: This is very limited. It's highly dependent on human prompting as it's source of direction.
  • Agentic AI: Opposite – very high. In theory, Agentic AI can make decisions, use various tools, and adapt without constant human prompts.

This barely scratches the surface of this topic. For more information, check out the following resources:

Agentic AI vs Generative AI: Key Differences Explained

Explore the core differences between Agentic AI and Generative AI. Learn how proactive agents and reactive generators transform business operations.

Salesforce

Generative AI vs. Agentic AI: What Is the Difference?

Explore how generative and agentic AI differ, what each can do, and how you can apply them to solve problems, streamline tasks, and enhance decision-making.

CourseraCoursera Staff

Agentic AI vs. generative AI: The core differences

Discover how agentic AI and generative AI (GenAI) work, and how each optimizes professional practices.

Thomson Reuters

What is the Difference between Generative AI and Agentic AI?

Have you ever stopped to think about how the technology that fuels your favorite apps distinguishes between producing text and making choices? As we examine further into the realms of artificial intelligence, two terms frequently emerge.

Birchwood University