"Whether it�s computer technical support or product design going offshore, or concern that the United States now ranks 19th in the world in math and science education, the effects of globalization are a frequent topic of discussion. Here�s a quick look at what some speakers at the Stamford Business School have said in the past year. We have to find real solutions, but if we�re running off into a protectionist mode � what is frustrating about that � other than what goes around comes back at us � is that it means we�re taking our eye off of the ball about what we should be doing constructively together to make sure that we have a climate where we can compete and where we will win."
For decades, the story of digital commerce has been one of incremental improvement: better search, faster checkout, smarter recommendations. But something more fundamental is now underway. The emergence of agentic commerce, in which AI agents autonomously search, evaluate, and execute purchases on behalf of buyers, represents a genuine architectural shift in how commerce operates. Whether it becomes the revolution its proponents promise, or another technology that peaks at interesting pilot project, will depend on how effectively the AI industry addresses the structural challenges it faces. Agentic Commerce Market Development Agentic commerce involves deploying AI agents to handle the full purchasing cycle. Rather than browsing a website and entering card details yourself, you grant an AI agent the authority to act on your behalf, within defined parameters. The agent handles product discovery, comparison, negotiation, and payment execution. It draws on your procurement preferences, pur...