PwC report highlights the evolving strategic role of human resources in the AI era

Andreas Papadopoulos, Senior Manager of Advisory Services at PwC Cyprus, reported on September 28, 2026, that human resources (HR) must transition from a traditional support function to a central engine of business transformation. In an economy increasingly defined by artificial intelligence (AI), the workforce has become the primary factor for organizational success and business reinvention.

Drawing on findings from PwC’s 27th Annual Global CEO Survey, Papadopoulos emphasized that CEOs identify workforce relevance as both their greatest challenge and their most significant success factor. The report suggests that achieving long-term business goals requires a fundamental redesign of operating models, with a focus on developing future-ready skills, fostering workforce adaptability, and building a strong organizational culture.

Experts argue that successful AI adoption is not merely a technology rollout, but a comprehensive redesign of business models. Consequently, HR departments are expected to act as catalysts for these changes by managing the responsible implementation of AI tools while ensuring that the internal workforce is prepared to navigate evolving professional roles and technological capabilities.