Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way organizations plan and execute complex projects, with new data showing adoption is accelerating at a pace that few expected. According to the Association for Project Management (APM), the use of AI within projects in the UK has nearly doubled in just two years, rising from 36% in 2023 to 70% in 2025.
The findings are highlighted in a new research report by APM titled “Integrating AI and Agile Project Management in the Context of Sustainability.” The report was authored by Dr. Ruben Burga and Professor Chris Sprakman. Both are from Mohawk College.
According to Burga and Spraakman, this leap reflects more than just enthusiasm for emerging technology. This marks a turning point in project management. Teams are increasingly turning to AI not only to automate mundane tasks, but also to enhance predictions, improve decision-making, and reduce risk.
But this shift also reveals gaps in preparedness, capacity, and trust. In a conversation with Middle East Utilities, Burga and Sprakman said the momentum behind AI adoption stems from both proven value and growing strategic necessity across the sector.
Reasons why AI adoption is accelerating
Burga and Spraakman believe this rise is being driven by the growing presence of AI in daily operations and proven benefits across multiple industries. As generative tools, predictive analytics, and intelligent agents become more accessible, organizations are using them to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and make faster, better-informed decisions.
“Organizations are leveraging AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making,” they said, explaining that momentum will spread as familiarity grows and early successes emerge. Additionally, competitive pressures and digital transformation strategies will also accelerate integration into project workflows.
APM data supports this sentiment and highlights how perceptions have changed significantly. In 2025, 62% of project professionals say AI will have a “very positive” impact on their field. This is a significant increase from 15% in 2023.
That optimism is reflected in adoption rates across major industries, with the use of AI in construction projects increasing from 15% to 75%, financial services from 23% to 66%, engineering from 35% to 73%, and transportation from 36% to 71%.
Research shows that much of the value of AI lies in automating time-consuming tasks. Top benefits cited by experts include task and schedule automation, resource allocation, reporting, dashboards, risk analysis, and stakeholder communication.
Burga and Spraakman said tools that handle update scheduling, meeting documentation, reporting, and risk scanning are helping their teams shift their focus to higher-value, strategic work.
Preparation, confidence and training remain major hurdles
However, despite rapid growth, many project managers remain unsure that they have the necessary skills and understanding to use AI securely. APM research found that nearly half of existing AI users face challenges with technical knowledge and training. Security and data privacy concerns, workflow integration issues, and questions about the accuracy and reliability of AI output also remain widespread.
Burga and Sprakman said successful implementation will depend on both technical and cultural readiness.
“Psychological safety is essential; project managers must feel confident experimenting with AI without fear that it threatens their role or credibility,” they said. Building trust requires transparency about how tools work, robust data governance, and training that covers not only familiarity with the tools but also their ethical and safe use.
Burga and Spraakman further argue that demonstrating value through real-world use cases can help close the trust gap.
“When project teams see AI being effectively applied to familiar processes, their confidence quickly increases.”
Next step: AI as a strategic partner in delivery
Looking to the future, Burga and Spraakman expect the role of AI to expand from task automation to more strategic, predictive, and collaborative capabilities. Routine administrative tasks are increasingly handled by intelligent systems, freeing project professionals to focus on leadership, stakeholder management, and strategic decision-making.
They expect to see increased use of AI agents that can analyze scenarios, make predictions, sense risks and opportunities, and provide recommendations tailored to specific project environments.
AI is also poised to play a deeper role in agile delivery frameworks, especially for large and complex programs. By managing data flows, identifying patterns, and generating real-time insights, AI helps teams accelerate cycles, reduce uncertainty, and improve prioritization.
This isn't about replacing project managers, it's about enabling them to free up their time, enhance analysis, and improve decision-making. Burga and Spraakman agree that the future of project management is not determined solely by AI, but by how people use it. “The most successful organizations will be those that integrate AI not only as a tool for efficiency, but also as a means to enable human-centered project management,” they said, noting that this means using AI to improve morale, creativity, and long-term productivity.
