AI + human intelligence = new skillsets for SCM leaders

Organizations that adopt 'human-in-the-loop' artificial intelligence systems are more likely to succeed than those that exclusively invest in technology, says a W. P. Carey supply chain expert.

In this article published March 6, 2026, in SupplyChainBrain:

For mid-career professionals, recommended actions include deepening expertise while expanding AI fluency, volunteering for cross-functional initiatives involving analytics or digital transformation, and positioning yourself as a translator between technical teams and business leaders. For senior-level leaders, it's important to invest in talent systems and governance structures, not just technology platforms, define clear decision ownership and escalation paths for AI-enabled workflows, and model effective human-AI collaboration through your leadership behaviors.

AI will continue transforming supply chain management, but technology alone is not enough. The organizations that lead will be those that deliberately cultivate human intelligence alongside AI, redesigning roles, developing new skillsets, and reinforcing accountability. The future belongs to leaders who integrate AI into decision‑making while elevating human judgment, creativity, and responsibility.

— Antonios Printezis, clinical professor of supply chain management