Organisations and managers that use generative AI effectively are reporting significantly stronger productivity gains, according to three Project Management Institute studies. The most advanced users achieved productivity-growth outcomes up to 16 times higher than people only beginning to use the technology.
The reports suggest that AI will not eliminate the role of project managers but will change how they work. As automation handles more routine tasks, the role shifts toward strategic decision-making, risk management and leadership supported by data and intelligent tools.
Frequent users capture more value
Project professionals using GenAI in more than half of their initiatives reported much stronger productivity improvements than occasional users. Among the most advanced users, 58% regularly experimented with new AI solutions, compared with 12% among less advanced users.
Experience also changes how AI is used. Many people begin with notes, summaries and drafting. More advanced users increasingly apply the technology to risk management, budget planning, scenario analysis and decision support.
Technology alone is not enough
PMI identifies two foundations for effective AI use: preparation and initiative. Preparation includes project-management expertise and an understanding of how generative AI works. Initiative means willingness to experiment, learn and develop new skills.
The studies also reveal a gap between employees’ adoption of AI and organisational readiness. Only 1% of organisations said they had reached maturity in the use of generative AI.
Employees in companies that actively support AI adoption were nine times more likely to achieve advanced productivity gains than those working in organisations without such support.
From task executor to strategic leader
Generative AI can accelerate analysis and provide recommendations, but PMI stresses that it still requires expert review and human oversight. Managers must decide which recommendations are useful and how they should translate into business decisions.
Artificial intelligence will not replace project managers. It will change how they work. Increasingly, the value will come not from completing another task but from making sound decisions, managing risk and leading teams effectively with AI, said Denis Lassance, Managing Director Europe at Project Management Institute.
PMI argues that competitive advantage will come not simply from deploying AI tools but from building employee skills and creating an environment that supports responsible use of the technology.
Methodology
The findings are based on three PMI x AI reports: Pushing the Limits, The Project Professional’s GenAI Journey and The Need for Organizational Support.
The second wave, conducted in March and April 2024, covered 500 project-management professionals from 12 countries and 18 sectors, supplemented by interviews with 19 experts. The third wave, conducted from July to September 2024, covered 2,000 professionals plus interviews with 25 experts and leaders.
Respondents were divided into Trailblazers, who used GenAI in more than 50% of projects, and Explorers, who used it in 1–15% of projects. This allowed PMI to compare productivity, working methods and skill development at different levels of AI adoption.
