Report from the 34th IPMA World Congress
in Berlin, Part 1
REPORT
By Sebastian Wieschowski
Nuremberg, Germany
Introduction
Digitization is advancing relentlessly, and with it, the volume of available data is growing exponentially. Project management, whether in small and medium-sized enterprises or in international corporations, is facing profound change. Artificial intelligence, especially generative AI, has evolved in a short time from a futuristic vision into a tangible driver of transformation. Already, around 21 percent of project managers actively use AI, while more than 90 percent of executives are convinced that the technology will have at least a moderate impact on the profession. AI is becoming a “co-worker,” roles are shifting, and stakeholders increasingly expect decisions that are ethically sound, systemically well thought-out, and made in real time.
This article, based on presentations delivered at the 34th IPMA World Congress in Berlin from September 17 to 19, provides an overview of current developments, concrete application scenarios, ethical frameworks, and new competency requirements that arise from the integration of AI into project management. It draws on the latest studies and contributions from leading experts.
- Fundamentals and Definitions of AI in the Project Context
Artificial intelligence is commonly understood as the ability of machines to replicate human traits such as logical reasoning, planning, learning, or creativity. In the project environment, this means that systems can identify data-based patterns and apply them to tasks— increasingly also to creative, generative tasks.
Particular attention is being paid to so-called AI agent systems. These autonomous units are built on large language models and are capable of independently executing tasks, making decisions, and interacting with their environment. They are characterized by modular architectures, take on specific roles, and improve with each piece of feedback. The result is systems that not only map processes but also provide strategic support.
The range of available tools is already vast. As of early September 2025, nearly 39,000 AI tools were listed, covering more than 13,000 application areas and nearly 5,000 professions. Specialized bots are no longer an exception in project management. Experts such as Prof. Dr. Doris Weßels emphasize that this trend will continue to accelerate. It is already becoming clear that multi-AI agents in hybrid teams will shape a new form of collaboration. Humans will take on the role of “agent boss,” orchestrating the interplay between people and machines.
- Application Scenarios and Added Value of AI
Artificial intelligence has long since become more than just a tool for efficiency. It is now a driver of data-driven insights, accelerated communication, and process scaling on a level that was previously unthinkable.
One of its central benefits lies in the automation of routine tasks. Systems take over minutes, create to-do lists, carry out quality checks, and support resource management. This significantly relieves project managers and creates space for strategic issues. At Siemens, for example, AI-powered tools were able to shorten decision-making processes that previously took weeks down to just a few days. Intelligent agents are also used in risk assessment: they gather information, verify its validity, and prepare it in a structured way…
More…
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How to cite this paper: Wieschowski, S. (2025). AI in Project Management – From Hype to Intelligent Partnership, Report from the 34th IPMA World Congress in Berlin, Part 1; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue X, October. Available online at: https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/pmwj157-Oct2025-Wieschowski-AI-in-Project-Management.pdf
About the Author
Sebastian Wieschowski
Nuremberg, Germany
Sebastian Wieschowski is an editor at the German Project Management Association (GPM), the national member association of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) in Germany. He is responsible for developing GPM’s media relations and serves on the editorial board of PM Aktuell, a quarterly magazine distributed to more than 6,500 GPM members as well as external stakeholders.
Born in 1985 in northern Germany, Wieschowski developed an early fascination with journalism. His formal education began with active contributions to school and local newspapers. He later completed journalistic training at the Cologne Journalism School for Politics and Economics, earned a Master Level Diploma from the School of Journalism at Eichstaett University, and undertook professional training at a regional newspaper publisher. He also holds a postgraduate M.Sc. degree in Public Health from Hannover Medical School.
In addition to his freelance journalism for national and international outlets, including major German media such as DIE ZEIT, Wieschowski has held senior communications roles since 2012. He first worked as press officer for a private university specializing in social work, then for a psychiatric hospital, and later for an industrial company. In September 2024, he joined GPM’s Marketing and Public Relations department, where he focuses on strengthening the visibility and public relevance of project management through editorial formats such as storytelling.
Alongside his professional career, Sebastian Wieschowski is also active as a freelance author in his lifelong passion, numismatics. He writes for both German- and English-language specialist publications, and his work has been recognized three times by the Numismatic Literary Guild, a writers’ association based in the USA.
Sebastian is a reporter at heart and enjoys discovering inspiring stories and meet people from around the world, a goal that is particularly easy to pursue in the field of project management. He can be contacted at s.wieschowski@gpm-ipma.de.
