# A model answers. An agent can act.

*The one distinction leadership teams need before they decide anything about AI.*

An AI model: you provide the input, the model generates a response. It does nothing on its own. Everything stops when you stop.

An AI agent: you provide the goal. The agent uses tools and rules to carry the work forward. Model + tools + rules = an agent that can work within defined boundaries.

Start with the task, not the technology. Agree what AI may do and who checks the results.

Canonical: https://oneninenordic.com/perspectives/a-model-answers-an-agent-acts
Source: OneNine content model, updated 2026-11-04