Abstract
<jats:p>The chapter introduces the Autonomy Gradient Architecture (AGA) that is a governance aware platform applied in the creation of self-evolving business process systems in intelligent business firms. Beyond binary automation conceptualizations, AGA conceptualizes autonomy as a continuum with structured components, that is, a continuum between assisted decision support and adaptive orchestration and self-learning processes. Embedded governance layers that bring transparency, accountability, and regulatory alignment are integrated within the structure, using analytics, orchestration, sensing, feedback and governance. Evidence and data in the financial services and healthcare cases demonstrate that resilience, efficiency and accuracy were improved and in measurable ways. The chapter entails autonomy and co-development of the governmental strategies as a strategic foundation of sustainable competitive advantage in Industry 5.0 settings.</jats:p>