IT projects are the backbone of business growth.
Delivering them successfully, however, is anything but straightforward: demand for specialist project managers has never been higher; skills shortages continue to bite; and automation powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how project work gets done.
According to Gartner, by 2026, 40% of enterprise applications will be driven by task-specific AI agents.
Gartner also predicts that at least 15% of day-to-day work decisions will be made autonomously through agentic AI by 2028 (up from 0% in 2024!!!). In addition, a third (33%) of enterprise software applications will include agentic AI by 2028.
Gartner’s predictions signal a shift in how IT projects will be managed, with AI agents automating routine and specialised tasks previously handled manually.
For IT project management teams, this means that many administrative and operational activities (think: scheduling, resource tracking, status reporting, and incident response) — will increasingly be performed autonomously by AI. This will free project managers to focus on strategic decision-making, risk mitigation, and stakeholder engagement.
This transformation will require IT project teams to evolve rapidly, developing new skills to collaborate effectively with AI agents and oversee their operation. Project managers will shift from being task doers to orchestrators of hybrid human-AI workflows, using AI-generated insights to anticipate challenges and optimise project delivery.
The rise of these intelligent agents also introduces heightened demands for governance, security, and ethical oversight, ensuring AI actions align with organisational goals and compliance requirements.
In essence, IT project management will become more agile, data-driven, and strategically informed as AI agents augment human capabilities and reshape traditional workflows.
From Nice-to-Have to Must-Have
Responding to this rapid shift, IT Project Management as a Service (PMaaS) has evolved too, from (what some see as) an emergency solution to (how we’ve always seen it) an essential strategic capability for sustained project success.
I was chatting with a long-time client recently about how, historically, they used PMaaS as a “stop-gap”, a handy fix to cover staff absences, fill skill gaps, or respond to a crisis. Over time, they recognised the value of PMaaS much earlier in project planning, integrating it into their resource scheduling as a matter of course. With increased AI integration, this may be a valuable lesson.
Talent shortages are set to continue and potentially worsen, with over three-quarters of UK firms reporting difficulties in filling tech roles. Waiting for resources or muddling through with over-stretched in-house teams simply isn’t good enough – particularly as projects grow in complexity, scope, and strategic importance.
Adaptive Resourcing for an Increasingly Dynamic Environment
Chatting with PMs about the benefits of increased AI agency for IT Project Management, an early consensus is emerging that more autonomous AI will deliver faster insights into talent resourcing needs and potential bottlenecks, giving organisations the data to respond faster and earlier. Which is great, but the real value will still be dependent on the quality of that response.
Public sector IT Project Manager, Simon says, “It’s all well and good the project telling me in advance that we’re gonna need a specialism, I’ve still got to find them in the real world. It’s like when my smart fridge tells me my milk’s off at 12.01am when the only place open is the petrol station — until AI works out how to get a 4 pint bottle of milk through a night hatch — it’s still the human bit of the equation that makes the difference.”
At Stoneseed, we understand, PMaaS solves the core challenges of flexibility and scalability. It gives decision makers instant access to top-tier professionals who can slot into projects as needed, whether that means a single project manager or an entire PMO team. The value is clear: Why commit to long-term hires or costly contractors when you can match resources precisely to demand – for exactly the time and set of skills you need.
AI and Automation: Powering the New Normal
Gartner’s insight is pivotal: Agentic AI is reshaping project execution. Automation now handles routine scheduling, reporting, and alerts. AI agents provide real-time insights, forecast risks, and even propose corrective actions before delays escalate. The net result? Project managers can focus on strategic leadership and team coordination, rather than administrative grind.
But here’s the rub: AI, powerful as it is, amplifies the importance of skilled human oversight. Project success increasingly depends on professionals who know how to work alongside, manage, and optimise AI-enabled environments. Stoneseed is uniquely positioned to supply talent who are fluent in these new technologies, professionals who see AI not as a threat, but as an ally in delivering outstanding results fast.
Proactive Risk Mitigation, Governance, Security, and Compliance
Every IT project carries risk, from budget overruns to shifting client requirements and vendor delays. PMaaS enables far superior risk management: skilled project managers blend human judgement with AI-powered analytics to anticipate bottlenecks and suggest data-driven solutions.
Predictive resource planning minimises shortfalls, while continuous visibility and reporting help keep stakeholders aligned. Gone are the days of reactive firefighting; now, resource decisions are proactive and strategic.
With AI agents gaining autonomy, Gartner warns that robust security and governance frameworks are essential. PMaaS offers project professionals who understand the intricacies of AI governance, compliance, and ethical standards. This extra layer of competence is vital as regulatory landscapes shift and data privacy demands intensify – protecting your business from costly mistakes or reputational damage.
The Human Touch Remains Crucial
A self-confessed “AI Luddite” friend (hello Patrick) often says that you can’t spell fail without “AI”. I point to prevail, attain, gain, and acclaim, but Patrick’s rather human response does serve as a reminder – despite the rise of automation, tech projects remain, at their core, all about people — the right people. We humans are the real difference between fail and prevail!
At Stoneseed we’ve always contributed talent for teams, not just based on skill, but also on culture fit and communication and that is more important than ever! We understand the nuances of hybrid working, remote collaboration and the importance of motivation in challenging delivery scenarios. Matching the right personality and approach to each project team can be the difference between project success and failure.
Carrie Capilli of US consultancy PM Solutions nails it: “Our clients have told us time and again that they need project managers who have: Superior knowledge of their industry; Top-tier communication skills; The ability to think strategically; and a knack for working with others to resolve difficult issues. These are skills not inherently found in AI … AI tools can be delegated to effectively streamline time-consuming processes, but they cannot grasp complex, dynamic, interpersonal skills. Let’s call those set of skills the “art” of project management.” Amen!
Why Stoneseed’s PMaaS Should Be on Speed-Dial
Speed is now essential, competitive advantage is fleeting and project timelines are tighter than ever, instant access to project management expertise is no longer optional, it’s critical. Having your PMaaS provider on speed-dial (01623 723910) means eliminating onboarding delays, scaling at a moment’s notice, and maintaining delivery momentum even as business conditions change.
Business leaders who wait, risk missed opportunities, potential lost revenue, and falling behind. Those who make PMaaS a core part of their operating model become more resilient, more adaptive, and – ultimately – more successful. They harness the power of both AI and top talent to achieve business ambitions in an unforgiving marketplace.
Having Stoneseed’s PMaaS on speed-dial isn’t just wise — it’s business-critical.
More about Project Management as a Service from Stoneseed
Sources And Inspiration
https://itbrief.com.au/story/ai-agents-to-power-40-of-enterprise-apps-by-2026-says-gartner
https://www.pmsolutions.com/blog/view/ai-is-here-but-the-human-edge-still-drives-pmo-success
