18. Self-sufficient, Self-directed, and Interdependent Negotiation Systems: A Roadmap Toward Autonomous Negotiation Agents

This chapter delves into the intricate world of autonomous negotiation systems, focusing on the three key dimensions of autonomy: self-sufficiency, self-direction, and interdependence. It highlights the historical evolution of automated negotiation research, from the early flag bearers to the current state-of-the-art. The text emphasizes the benefits of autonomous negotiation, such as improved deal outcomes, reduced time and costs, and the necessity of such systems in rapidly evolving fields like smart grids and IoT. The author discusses major challenges, including domain knowledge and preference elicitation, long-term perspectives, and user trust and adoption. A roadmap is provided for overcoming these challenges and achieving full autonomy in negotiation agents. The chapter also pays homage to Jennings et al.'s 2001 landmark publication, examining how the field has progressed since then. The text concludes with a call for further research and a reflection on the ethical considerations of autonomous negotiation agents.