Five technologies set to impact project management in 2025

The world of project management is constantly evolving to keep up with the latest technological advancements. In 2025, emerging technologies will continue to redefine how projects are planned, executed, and evaluated, enabling greater precision, efficiency, and adaptability. Discover how these innovations could shape the future of project management, and help you to drive better outcomes.

Artificial intelligence

Unsurprisingly, artificial intelligence will continue to evolve the way project teams work. As professionals begin to embrace this technology we will see a shift this year. AI will no longer be seen as a helpful tool for occasional use, but a vital member of your team capable of handling routine tasks such as reporting, data analytics, and planning. Allowing the human members of your team to focus on more strategic elements including problem solving, decision-making and team management.

The key to successful AI usage is building an environment where your team feel confident to safely explore the various opportunities offered by the technology. Encourage employees to try using artificial intelligence to support different areas of their role, and record where it has the greatest impact. This will help you understand the tasks that are best suited to AI, and those which are better performed by the people on your team.

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Big data

Approximately 402.74 million terabytes of data is created each day, according to Statista. Big data refers to the vast amount of data generated every second from various sources. While big data analytics involves using advanced tools and techniques to process, analyse, and derive insights from this information.

For project managers, this increasing amount of data can help provide valuable insights to improve future projects. Big data enables more informed decision-making by providing insights into project risks, resource utilisation, team performance, and market trends. It empowers managers to foresee challenges and take proactive measures to ensure successful project outcomes.

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Cloud computing

Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services, such as storage, servers, databases, networking, software, and analytics, over the internet (the cloud). Instead of relying on local servers or personal devices for computing resources.

According to this article by Spacelift, 96% of companies use the public cloud and 84% use the private cloud. In project management, cloud computing facilitates collaboration through tools such as shared platforms, real-time updates, and centralised document management. This is particularly valuable for teams working remotely, and in a hybrid or virtual environment, as they can work seamlessly regardless of their location.

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Blockchain

Blockchain is a decentralised and distributed digital ledger technology that securely records and verifies transactions across multiple systems. Imagine a notebook where everyone can see and write down information, but no one can erase or change what’s already written. This notebook is shared by a group of people, and before anything new is added, everyone in the group must agree it is accurate. Blockchain enables you to build a system for keeping records that are shared, secure and trusted.

In project management, blockchain enhances transparency, accountability, and efficiency. It can improve supply chain management by tracking the status of delivery in real-time, facilitate smart contracts by automating payment releases or task approvals based on predefined milestones, strengthen data security through encryption and decentralisation, and enhance collaboration by creating a transparent record of contributions. By leveraging blockchain, project managers can build trust among stakeholders, streamline processes, and reduce the risk of disputes.

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Virtual and augmented reality

Virtual reality (VR) creates a fully immersive digital environment that replaces the real world. Whereas augmented reality (AR) overlays digital elements (images, text or animations) onto the real world, enhancing what you see and interact with. Essentially VR replaces your reality and AR enhances it.

Both technologies are revolutionising project management by improving how we visualise, plan and interact with projects and tasks. The construction industry, in particular, could benefit from this technology. Virtual reality can simulate construction projects before they begin, allowing you to train teams in a risk-free virtual space. Augmented reality can assist with visualising designs on-site, providing real-time overlays for equipment or workflows.

Keeping up with the pace of technology

To ensure you can keep up with the pace of technological change, learning and development (L&D) is essential. Whether it’s strengthening your project management skills with courses including PRINCE2®, AgilePM® or APM PMQ, boosting your soft skills to enhance communication and leadership, or developing a greater understanding of these advanced technologies, ILX has the training solution to support you.