An agent is a computer system that is capable of flexible autonomous action in dynamic, unpredictable, typically multi-agent domains. Some application domains where agent technologies will play a role include: Grid Computing, where multi-agent system approaches will enable efficient use of the resources of high-performance computing infrastructure in science, engineering, medical and commercial applications; the Semantic Web, where agents are needed both to provide services, and to make best use of the resources available; Bioinformatics, where intelligent agents may support the coherent exploitation of the data revolution occurring in biology.

AgentLink III will act as a unifying focus for agent-based activities in these and other agent related domains. The long-term goal of AgentLink III is to put Europe at the leading edge of international competitiveness in this increasingly important area.