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Enterprise Leadership • Module 22

Multi-Agent Collaboration

When AI agents work together

Module 22 illustration

"Dear Marilyn,

Can AI agents actually collaborate, or do they just run in sequence?

— Collaboration Curious"

Marilyn Responds:

True collaboration is more than sequential execution. It's agents sharing information, building on each other's work, and collectively solving problems.

In GRACE, the Requirement Analyzer shares insights with the Test Generator. The Execution Engine feeds back to both. The Cognitive Core learns from all.

This is collaborative intelligence.

Collaboration Patterns

Agents collaborate through:

  • Shared Memory — Common knowledge base all agents access
  • Message Passing — Agents communicate findings
  • Blackboard Systems — Agents post and read from shared space
  • Ensemble Methods — Multiple agents vote on decisions

Quick Check: Module 22

Question: What distinguishes collaboration from sequential execution?

a) Speed

b) Agents share information and build on each other's work

c) More agents are involved

d) Less human oversight

(Answer: b — Collaboration means agents enhance each other, not just follow each other.)