Governing the adaptive organism: A framework for human-AI symbiosis in anticipatory project management

Abstract

Purpose: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into project management is accelerating, yet governance frameworks have failed to keep pace with the transition from tool-based automation to genuine human-AI symbiosis. This article synthesizes literature across four fragmented domains to propose a unified governance model for anticipatory project management. Design/methodology/approach: A systematic, integrative review was conducted covering: AI in project management, Human-AI collaboration, Anticipatory governance, and Complexity theory. The synthesis draws on peer-reviewed literature from 2023-2026, integrating seminal work on human-AI co-agency and adaptive systems. Findings: The review reveals a fundamental tension: technological capability outpaces organisational absorption. To address this, the article introduces the Adaptive Organism Governance (AOG) Framework. This model reconceptualises the project organisation as a complex adaptive system comprising four interdependent dimensions: Cognitive Augmentation, Collaborative Intelligence, Anticipatory Sensing, and Complexity Absorption. The framework is operationalized through six governance principles: subsidiarity, transparency, adaptability, resilience, human-centricity, and continuous learning. Originality/value: This article provides the first comprehensive synthesis linking AI technical capabilities with anticipatory governance theory. The AOG Framework offers a theoretically grounded, actionable pathway for practitioners navigating the digital transformation of project delivery, shifting the focus from controlling machines to cultivating symbiotic ecosystems.