AI works best with humans – not instead of them

A new academic study says the most effective use of artificial intelligence may be to strengthen human thinking and decision-making, rather than replace it.

Published in the Journal of Knowledge Management, the paper examines how AI and human intelligence can work together to improve the way knowledge is created and shared across society. 

The authors, from the University of East London, argue that while AI is especially useful for processing large amounts of information quickly, spotting patterns and generating insights, people remain essential for interpreting those results and making ethical decisions.

The study brings together findings from 90 research papers published since 2015. It concludes that the strongest results come from combining the speed and scale of AI with human creativity, critical thinking and oversight. This kind of partnership improve problem-solving across areas such as healthcare, education, management and research.

AI helps with complexity

The paper also warns against over-reliance on AI. It says organisations need clear safeguards to make sure AI systems are transparent, fair and subject to human review, especially in high-stakes settings. 

Dr Susan Akinwalere, co-author of the study, said:

The real promise of AI is not that it replaces human intelligence, but that it helps people work through complexity faster while leaving judgment, meaning and responsibility in human hands.”

The authors, from the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, say this human-centred approach could help institutions build stronger “knowledge ecosystems”. Instead of treating AI as a substitute for human expertise, the paper argues that it should be designed as a partner that supports learning, innovation and informed decision-making.

Humans apply AI responsibly

Co-author Professor Kirk Chang said: “AI can help us process information at a scale that was not possible before, but knowledge only becomes meaningful when people interpret it, question it and apply it responsibly.”

The study recommends organisations and research institutions should use AI while putting systems in place to check AI-generated insights for context, fairness and integrity. 

Full reference:

Akinwalere, Susan, and Kirk Chang, “The symbiotic roles of artificial intelligence and human intelligence in advancing knowledge ecosystem,” Journal of Knowledge Management. DOI: 10.1108/JKM-03-2025-0362.